tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58897931825024046482024-02-01T21:41:50.071-08:00So Be of Good CheerThrough my personal quest to find His peace that surpasses all understanding and the true joy that only He can bring, He draws me closer and reveals more of Himself to me each day. I hope to encourage, exhort, and edify through experience and to exhalt and glorify He Who alone is Worthy, He Who alone is Perfect Love. There is truly no one like Him.....sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-17992079179508991892017-05-23T15:57:00.001-07:002017-05-23T15:57:23.363-07:00THE TREE OF LIFE<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Herein lies the message of the Gospel:</i></span></h2>
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I have received the gracious gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In turn, He must truly become the only Lord of my life. Confession, repentance, healing, restoration and a divine calling all spring from this gift of grace. To bear fruit for His glory, I must continually go through the process of dying to self, establishing Him as Lord over everything in my life. Everything! True freedom from the things of this world that entangle us and lead us, deceptively, down the road to destruction.</div>
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The roots of my salvation grow and dig deeper as I am developing my relationship with Him through much prayer and fasting. I must remain on bended knee and entrenched in His Word to remain grounded in His truth. Continually feasting on His Bread of Life and His Living Water. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">He will bring me through that gate and down the narrow road that leads to the New Jerusalem. I will rid myself of sin and idols through obedience, submission, relationship, suffering sacrifice, shepherding and surrendering ALL. For </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>His</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> glory. If I remain grounded, humble and continue to grow, I will inherit the Kingdom, by His work on the cross and through the empowerment of His Spirit within me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><b>This life is the abundant life: submission, transformation and devotion to our God bearing much spiritual fruit in my life for His glory!</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b><b>Galatians 5:13-22</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span class="text Gal-5-13" id="en-ISV-29171" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another. </span><span class="text Gal-5-14" id="en-ISV-29172" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>For the whole Law is summarized in a single statement: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” </span><span class="text Gal-5-15" id="en-ISV-29173" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you are not destroyed by each other. </span><span class="text Gal-5-16" id="en-ISV-29174" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never fulfill the desires of the flesh. </span><span class="text Gal-5-17" id="en-ISV-29175" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>For what the flesh wants is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, and so you do not do what you want to do. </span><span class="text Gal-5-18" id="en-ISV-29176" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>But if you are being led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span class="text Gal-5-19" id="en-ISV-29177" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Now the actions of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, promiscuity, </span><span class="text Gal-5-20" id="en-ISV-29178" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, rivalry, jealously, outbursts of anger, quarrels, conflicts, factions, </span><span class="text Gal-5-21" id="en-ISV-29179" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>envy, murder, drunkenness, wild partying, and things like that. I am telling you now, as I have told you in the past, that people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. </span><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-ISV-29180" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,</span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ISV-29181" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. </span><span class="text Gal-5-24" id="en-ISV-29182" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>Now those who belong to the Messiah Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. </span><span class="text Gal-5-25" id="en-ISV-29183" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>Since we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also be guided. </span><span class="text Gal-5-26" id="en-ISV-29184" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>Let’s stop being arrogant, provoking one another and envying one another.</span></i></b></span></div>
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-51385232137058674442016-09-20T13:12:00.001-07:002016-09-20T20:22:43.951-07:00HERE I RAISE MY EBENEZER<br />
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Last week, on Thursday, September 15th and Friday, September 16th, 2016, our household raised an Ebenezer to our great, wise and merciful God! A perfect ending to a 17 year journey of testing and trial for myself and my family.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>and called the name of it Ebenezer </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>[that is, The stone of help], saying, “Here the Lord helped us.” </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>1 Sam 7:12</i></b></span></div>
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The past 17 years have been filled with many trials, much testing, grief, sadness, and sacrifice concerning my side of the family. In short, my mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the year 1999. My dad passed away suddenly in April of 2003. (And, I gave birth to my two children during this time.) We assisted Mom in moving from Virginia to California where we lived together for almost two years. It was two years full of constant drama—anger, resentment, manipulation, lies, hallucinations—and filled with much prayer and many tears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hAqjaiRLKKrQAKjh5tcuri1oeRhwXqNa3EEkcXT-_6jFIEocZY1zuayCDjXCiImRJS9AEGvBS0O1thJ84PiM5BS8lzhonSvNjj3OtngONSUQiFoJM5DtgQ0VJHW1RRonNEWASk3a91c/s1600/Stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hAqjaiRLKKrQAKjh5tcuri1oeRhwXqNa3EEkcXT-_6jFIEocZY1zuayCDjXCiImRJS9AEGvBS0O1thJ84PiM5BS8lzhonSvNjj3OtngONSUQiFoJM5DtgQ0VJHW1RRonNEWASk3a91c/s320/Stones.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mom decided to move to Arizona with her boyfriend, who was really using her for financial gain, in 2005. Mom passed away in July of 2007 leaving me with a mess of financial red tape and a house in Arizona that I couldn’t sell. We subsequently decided to rent the house so we became long distance landlords. Many a headache and heartache occurred during the nine year ordeal of renting including significant property damage and a suicide on the property.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>In light of all of this, I committed myself to explain it this way: the righteous and the wise, along with everything they do, are in the hands of God. Furthermore, as to love and hate, no human being knows everything concerning them. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Ecclesiastes 9:1</i></b></span></div>
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And yet, God has led us on an amazing journey the past 17 years. One of faith building, character building, hope and blessing. He has taught us more about true sacrifice, about the depth of unconditional love, about forgiveness and pure grace. He demonstrated His grace, His might, His sovereignty and His love every step of the way. He has continued to demonstrate His goodness, His sovereignty and His love. And, He has shown us how important it is to reach out to others who are broken and lost.<br />
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<b>Here are just a few of the amazing ways He remained faithful in our plight:</b><br />
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<li>When moving in with my mom, we had to sell our condo—but sold it quickly and at a good profit. </li>
<li>I was due to give birth to second child while my husband was away on business and my over medicated mom and I were alone in the house. (home birth) The Lord stayed my daughter's birth for two weeks; she arrived less than twenty four hours after my husband came home; she came quickly and he had the blessing of delivering her.</li>
<li>When we came home one day to a 'For Sale' sign in the front yard and had to quickly relocate and find a home of our own again, He led us to the perfect place just a mile from my mother and worked out every detail from the financing to the paint on the walls in every room and the park at the end of the block. </li>
<li>When the trials became draining in health or expense, He provided for our physical and financial needs every step of the way through church, friends, new clients and a way of escape. It was during this time that He prompted me to attend my first Community Bible Study class! It was a lifesaver to me in so many ways.</li>
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<li>During the difficulties that arose after her death, the Lord imparted godly wisdom and discern in every transaction and the right words in every confrontation so that it would bring Him glory. </li>
<li>He used the trials to draw my husband and I closer in relationship to Him and each other showing us what ‘true love’ really is—sacrifice.</li>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>1 Cor 10:13</i></b></span></div>
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These were difficult years. He has given us victory through it all. God has developed patience in us and perseverance, trust and faith. He has strengthened our walk with Him as a family. It has been a wonderful witness to His providence and provision for my children. So many lessons learned. So much blessing even in the hard things. We desired that this weight be lifted but, more importantly, that His perfect will be done.<br />
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Would we want to go through it again? Probably not. But I would never again want to go through times such as these without Him right by my side.<br />
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With the suicide at the Arizona home, we decided it was time to put it on the market again. We prayed that in would be inline with God's perfect timing. In one week and one open house, we received two offers. One dropped, the other buyer proceeded. The paperwork was processed in a month, the loan was approved and funded in three days. We closed on September 15th, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">my daughter's</span> </span>birthday, and received disbursement of funds on September 16th, our 27th wedding anniversary.<br />
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Coincidence?! I think not….! Here I raise my Ebenezer.....<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>according to the power that worketh in us, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>throughout all ages, a world without end. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Amen. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Ephesians 3:19-21</i></b></span></div>
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-19898746606389123022016-08-17T18:19:00.002-07:002016-08-17T18:19:45.105-07:00These Things Remain....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ISV-28673">Now we see only an
indistinct image in a mirror, </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ISV-28673">but then we will be face to face. </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ISV-28673">Now what
I know is incomplete, </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ISV-28673">but then I will know fully, even as I have been
fully known.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ISV-28673"> </span></b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-ISV-28674">Right now three things remain: faith, hope, and love. </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-ISV-28674">But the greatest of these is love.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-ISV-28674"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>1 Corinthians 13:12-13 </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><u>FAITH </u></b></span><br />
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I have faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and Lord. In His power to heal and save. I have faith. Faith in our heavenly Father who created all things through His breath and His Word.<br />
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Or so I think.... Or so I say.... But do I? Do I really?<br />
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A series of unfortunate events have entered our family scenario over the past five years or so. Small but significant in our lives. As time goes on, they bare increasingly collective weight upon us emotionally, physically and financially.<br />
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Things have intensified during the past several months in almost all these areas. As Jacob did, I found myself wrestling with God on more than one occasion about many of these things. Asking for His blessing. I've been on my knees in prayer many hours for many months over many of the same things. I do recognize the testing here. Waiting for the mountain to move. Waiting for the persistence in prayer to pay off. Waiting for resolution or absolution, whatever the case may be. It has not come. The pressure increases. The waiting is difficult. I know in my mind that the waiting will bear fruit but I struggle still.<br />
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Hard questions like this one come forth in hard times. The testing and trials of this life. God wants us to back up our words with action. We say we have faith in Him but do we really mean it? He will test us in our faith. Guaranteed.<br />
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Do I have faith that He exists? Yes. Do I have faith that He sent His son to die for my transgressions, be raised again on the third day to new life? Yes. Do I believe that by confessing, repenting and receiving His gift of salvation, I receive His grace daily and have a future in eternity. Yes and Amen!<br />
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But yet.... Do I have true faith? If I don't have true faith, then I don't trust Him, do I?<br />
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<u><b>Faith and Trust </b></u><br />
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Faith and trust go hand-in-hand. Only through pure faith can you have
complete trust in the Lord Almighty. After all, He is unseen and often
works in mysterious ways. You can't see Him, touch Him, smell Him. Not
in absolutes like the things of this world. He defies explanation. He is
beyond human comprehension. He is not of this world. Not of flesh but
spirit. His instruction manual is one book, His Holy Word. Sounds simple
but yet it isn't. He talks through prophets, apostles, angels, kings,
parables and His Spirit. His technical school is on-the-job training
through the school of 'hard knocks' in walking through this life one day
at a time. It takes a lifetime to learn His will and His ways. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvv_3F49iEDbMVGMn6LsjIaFbBcT_h5cL395-WZzeGIdc6KXQB1syugH5P7R_kLs_P8E1TDnW0r5xTLQT7Qhvyl7i4fKGW-mY4snc8PMtC_70WHJO3OecZfUS1ej4Su4H-VFcK2LTB3E/s1600/aadf1518eba558823cb87c1d8a701813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvv_3F49iEDbMVGMn6LsjIaFbBcT_h5cL395-WZzeGIdc6KXQB1syugH5P7R_kLs_P8E1TDnW0r5xTLQT7Qhvyl7i4fKGW-mY4snc8PMtC_70WHJO3OecZfUS1ej4Su4H-VFcK2LTB3E/s400/aadf1518eba558823cb87c1d8a701813.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<br />
Faith earns its muscle through the testing and trials of this life. We do believe yet we lack faith. Our faith is often shallow. We like to live in the faith that fulfills our human desires rather than the desires that God has for us. He desires us to become more like Him and acquire the things that are not of this world. To live in the Spirit rather than the flesh.<br />
<br />
As long as things are flowing smoothly in our lives, we stand confident in our faith. However, when the winds of change blow our way and our world is turned upside down by the unforeseen, unexpected circumstances, we waiver. We grasp to hold onto something secure, something within our sphere of influence. We want to take control. We often put our faith in our own abilities to fix things. Our pure faith falters. Our trust walks right out the door taking our faith with it. We fall on our faces suffering the consequences of lack of faith. <br />
<br />
But then we remember Who is always in control. Of EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Who has ascended to heaven, and then descended? </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Who has collected the wind
in His hands? </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Who has wrapped up waters in a garment? </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Who has
established all the farthest points of the earth? </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>What is His name, and
what is His son’s name? Surely you know! </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Proverbs 30:4</b></i></span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">HOPE</span> </b></u><br />
<br />
As this journey continues, I find myself taking things one day at a time
most of the time. Thanking Him for life and breath, for blessings, and
focusing on the positives. Having faith. But then, the darkness will
begin to close in, the oppressiveness of the situation looms large, and I
cry out in desperation and fear. I have lost hope. I have lost sight of the One Who is control of everything.<br />
<br />
I must walk by faith and not by sight. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7</b></i></span> If I lose hope, I have a faith that falters. I forget that He is in control. That He works all things together for good. That He is for me, not against me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeYl_odoYvY9-9Ba5GljmLoBeaNEllONckHnvVSHqeVRUpzTpbzN4zDz4EuOJUcejVDEsbkN4La1ODX5XUhMMSq_htzp4tBFUjQQceKLWY9JHerVfaUsVGQOZ-9WvN3gD1WqZWXpSXeA/s1600/14cd994f3958426b92672e1e74a322b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeYl_odoYvY9-9Ba5GljmLoBeaNEllONckHnvVSHqeVRUpzTpbzN4zDz4EuOJUcejVDEsbkN4La1ODX5XUhMMSq_htzp4tBFUjQQceKLWY9JHerVfaUsVGQOZ-9WvN3gD1WqZWXpSXeA/s320/14cd994f3958426b92672e1e74a322b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the trials and the testing, do I falter in my hope because of fear and doubt? Do I take Him at His Word and believe ALL of His promises or do I subject His Word to my own interpretations? Most importantly, is my love for Him conditional upon a smooth, trial-free life?<br />
<br />
I need to remind myself that I can make my plans but He directs my steps. Do I place my hope in myself or in other people? Do I place my hope in the things of this world? My reasoning is faulty at best because I don't see the whole picture. I lack His vision.<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><u>LOVE</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Perfect love casts out fear. When I have doubt or fear, my love for Him is wavering. If our love for Him is pure, then we can boldly stand in victory no matter what the circumstance. We can trust in His ways and His will.<br />
<br />
Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Everyday and in every circumstance. Faith, Hope, Love. Fully devoted in heart and soul demonstrated by a fullness of walking life out in faith in His promises. Having the mind of Christ, to walk like Him, talk like Him, do what He would do. Living in the power of His love and pouring it out on others.<br />
<br />
And, if love is the greatest of these, then we must walk out our lives in fullness of faith and hope knowing, beyond a doubt, that He is true to His Word always. That He is LOVE. His love is honest, pure and unconditional. Our love for Him should be rooted in Who He is and not what He does for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1aqNmP_K0_2DoNozDPPzAtIxbol1Nidp5pVRjB6bFh1cQ3oZ-HtwWiKN_S0D6VONDQctlWHgBBfPIwnj1Ql-wAhFhJ4-NoWbhvC_sUaNzuTeWw0mDZkEbTmijaLcGP8rvwyDGTUZAPI/s1600/SCR023-L-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1aqNmP_K0_2DoNozDPPzAtIxbol1Nidp5pVRjB6bFh1cQ3oZ-HtwWiKN_S0D6VONDQctlWHgBBfPIwnj1Ql-wAhFhJ4-NoWbhvC_sUaNzuTeWw0mDZkEbTmijaLcGP8rvwyDGTUZAPI/s320/SCR023-L-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><u>FAITH, HOPE and LOVE</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Faith, hope and love--they work together for our good. Faith and hope produce trust, obedience, surrender, peace, and the
unsurpassed, unconditional love that He desires. We want what He wants.
Our will becomes as His. We must have a secure faith and unrelenting
hope in Him to love Him as He deserves. Our relationship with God
becomes more important than anything. As we draw closer to Him, He draws
closer to us. The darkness will gradually fade and everything will be
brought into His marvelous light. <br />
<br />
Faith, hope and love. They give us humility and confidence as we approach the throne of grace. With purity in these three things, we win the spiritual battle and attain perfect peace. His is our peace. We are solely devoted to Him through a pure faith, hope and love. Nothing can separate us!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span class="text Eph-2-13" id="en-ISV-29238"><sup class="versenum"></sup>But now, in union with the Messiah Jesus, </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span class="text Eph-2-13" id="en-ISV-29238">you who once were far away have been brought near </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span class="text Eph-2-13" id="en-ISV-29238">by the blood of the Messiah.</span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span class="text Eph-2-14" id="en-ISV-29239"><sup class="versenum"></sup>For it is he who is our peace. </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Eph-2-14" id="en-ISV-29239"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Ephesians 2:13-14</i></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>May the God of peace Himself </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>make you holy in every way. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>And may your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—remain blameless </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>when our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, appears. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>1 Thessalonians 5:23</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-ISV-28150">For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-ISV-28150"> nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-ISV-28150"> </span></b></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-ISV-28151"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>nor anything above, nor anything below, nor anything else in all creation</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-ISV-28151"> can separate us from the love of God</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-ISV-28151"> that is ours in union with the Messiah Jesus, our Lord. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-ISV-28151"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Romans 8:38-29</b></i></span></span></div>
<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-68082251511379142402016-06-28T17:29:00.000-07:002016-07-25T16:02:49.832-07:00I AM<b>I AM......... </b><br />
<br />
I am finite.<br />
<br />
I can only be in one place at one time. <br />
<br />
I am quiet.<br />
<br />
I am soft spoken.<br />
<br />
I am a child of God.<br />
<br />
I am being refined by Him.<br />
<br />
I am nothing without Him.<br />
<br />
I am being tossed to and fro, unsettled.<br />
<br />
I am not satisfied.<br />
<br />
I am fearful.<br />
<br />
I am selfish. <br />
<br />
I am often struggling, kicking against the goads. <br />
<br />
I am lacking in purity in love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhdvxAF18YYLSEZN9SH8SACrIQh29ovUrXOxSZBXtWB8TSzosI0e1Tk1xxtAMCv_VDaHYcVMvhkle6SPSxFCqe2KGcV6HSNPlyG5Vg6bBhaDFGr3f439AQp4B0XrF67rinrNgyReStSI/s1600/P1000360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhdvxAF18YYLSEZN9SH8SACrIQh29ovUrXOxSZBXtWB8TSzosI0e1Tk1xxtAMCv_VDaHYcVMvhkle6SPSxFCqe2KGcV6HSNPlyG5Vg6bBhaDFGr3f439AQp4B0XrF67rinrNgyReStSI/s400/P1000360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temporary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>HE IS.........</b><br />
<br />
He is infinite.<br />
<br />
He is transcendent, always near yet far. <br />
<br />
He has the voice of thunder and wind and waves.<br />
<br />
He is the voice of Truth.<br />
<br />
He is my Heavenly Father. <br />
<br />
<br />
He is refinement itself.<br />
<br />
He is everything.<br />
<br />
He is the calm in the eye of the storm.<br />
<br />
He is the only One who satisfies.<br />
<br />
He casts out all fear.<br />
<br />
He is forgiveness.<br />
<br />
He is selfless.<br />
<br />
He is perfect peace.<br />
<br />
He is perfect love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRpTiQdCGfcEbFUSccyylw3Mvx7Dm27NzI93su41ZcRNwhIxT6jR7G3AYf9GPxqd7FXjiJohTL819QXEONDFswV7f-MDhu5WBkGeHw2eUYoaMOz-jHE-NYZmqGioFbpoyDYwH6Km3Muk/s1600/earth_1-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRpTiQdCGfcEbFUSccyylw3Mvx7Dm27NzI93su41ZcRNwhIxT6jR7G3AYf9GPxqd7FXjiJohTL819QXEONDFswV7f-MDhu5WBkGeHw2eUYoaMOz-jHE-NYZmqGioFbpoyDYwH6Km3Muk/s400/earth_1-jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reality</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>HE IS THE GREAT 'I AM'.</b></u><br />
<br />
<br />
Through Him:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Philippians 4:13</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>I am convinced of this, that the one who began a good action among you will bring it to completion by the Day of the Messiah Jesus. </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Philippians 1:6</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 2Tim-3-16" id="en-ISV-29865"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, </span><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-ISV-29866"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good action. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-ISV-29866">2 Timothy 3:16-17</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-ISV-29866">As all of us reflect the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are becoming <b>more</b> <b>like</b> <b>Him</b> with ever-increasing glory by the Lord’s Spirit. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-ISV-29866">2 Corinthians 3:18 </span> </b></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>With Him, I am:</b><br />
<br />
LIMITLESS<br />
<br />
TEMPORAL AND ETERNAL<br />
<br />
ASSURED<br />
<br />
BOLD<br />
<br />
ADOPTED<br />
<br />
RIGHTEOUS<br />
<br />
EQUIPPED<br />
<br />
ANCHORED AND SECURE<br />
<br />
CONTENT<br />
<br />
FEARLESS<br />
<br />
FORGIVEN <br />
<br />
AT PEACE<br />
<br />
SURRENDERED<br />
<br />
GRACE FILLED, LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY<br />
<br />
IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF IT!<br />
<br />
<br />
Because HE IS, I can be all that He is! By His grace and love outpoured...........<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rOO4WvN6mKcCRxzVQj74gN9KKWLs1EPn4wcV5ubHEla6qVf9KgnNUevA2CQ0G8jhhT5wbVP8aEFnF-oLGAVVGaDXjUQ_a1Lw-kF_s3Y0mblwg5r1EqcrXCj5IO04qOg09sf0mYa97lc/s1600/stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rOO4WvN6mKcCRxzVQj74gN9KKWLs1EPn4wcV5ubHEla6qVf9KgnNUevA2CQ0G8jhhT5wbVP8aEFnF-oLGAVVGaDXjUQ_a1Lw-kF_s3Y0mblwg5r1EqcrXCj5IO04qOg09sf0mYa97lc/s400/stars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eternal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The impossible becomes possible. With Him. May Jesus Christ be magnified and God be glorified in and through us by the power of His unfailing love and Holy Spirit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhdvxAF18YYLSEZN9SH8SACrIQh29ovUrXOxSZBXtWB8TSzosI0e1Tk1xxtAMCv_VDaHYcVMvhkle6SPSxFCqe2KGcV6HSNPlyG5Vg6bBhaDFGr3f439AQp4B0XrF67rinrNgyReStSI/s1600/P1000360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-27560557564794485952016-04-24T13:28:00.001-07:002017-03-24T17:37:44.652-07:00HE DID IT ANYWAY<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT0T-Rtr2ZGJkChe7HQL-ygR-xcrAZa6UiPPC6SJolriCr8bpSiGbC4pWYZ7ss65-9S0TSQWE3qgGTC9AEx5dok4Y7WCwVSDWc0DWpfh1Q_4JJrCGqju_002VqDjLt7sg4j8x3Ls6qVk/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT0T-Rtr2ZGJkChe7HQL-ygR-xcrAZa6UiPPC6SJolriCr8bpSiGbC4pWYZ7ss65-9S0TSQWE3qgGTC9AEx5dok4Y7WCwVSDWc0DWpfh1Q_4JJrCGqju_002VqDjLt7sg4j8x3Ls6qVk/s320/IMG_3521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He was of God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All that divinity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All that perfection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All that holiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But why?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why the suffering?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knew why. He knew what for.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knew His purpose. He understood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, it didn't ease the suffering. The agony.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It didn't ease the burden or lighten the load.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It didn't remove the pain or the burden of guilt and shame.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet, He did it anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He endured. On a tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While He endured, He encouraged. He provided. He blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No ridicule or scorn. No reviling. No anger. No wrath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just suffering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He endured the cross until the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because He loves us. He loves us so much that NOTHING ELSE MATTERED. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NOTHING.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unto death. Into life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLegTIfocrFawiQYrK3hLCIXbVYUno_pd_6_1_Fpj-bs5SAtrZHxbe95ArM3TvUDkhpbkXGyto0C_GXWBK3KV3BVplmouYAzE2mupRGhbjqQAQnclci1Gr4iXzH7KvT9pH8HKf4HVHes/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLegTIfocrFawiQYrK3hLCIXbVYUno_pd_6_1_Fpj-bs5SAtrZHxbe95ArM3TvUDkhpbkXGyto0C_GXWBK3KV3BVplmouYAzE2mupRGhbjqQAQnclci1Gr4iXzH7KvT9pH8HKf4HVHes/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Endless amazing love.</div>
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Endless amazing grace. </div>
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The ultimate in sacrifice.</div>
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DO WE LOVE HIM AS HE LOVES US?</div>
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So much so that nothing else matters. NOTHING.</div>
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Physical death. Obedience. Sacrifice. For Him. For us.</div>
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Because He matters most. His ways. His desires. His purposes.</div>
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We have been called to a holy calling with divine purpose. With no fear.</div>
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'Why?' we ask. </div>
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We share His calling. With no fear. Because of His perfect love.</div>
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Here. To suffer. Now.</div>
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According to His purpose.</div>
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He layed down His life. All of it. We have been called to do the same. Every day.</div>
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To know what He knows. To love as He loves.</div>
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May we not ask 'Why?' Only 'How?'</div>
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Glory be to our Savior, Jesus the Christ.</div>
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May we live to magnify Him. May our lives glorify Him.</div>
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As we press forward to receive the prize.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaHqlTnEx8PyG0yvuhG9bhsrHL2hyolubIwdlu_Om9EeYptUQUNUS1qShjyWRFWzJcFeUBG2Ag5UW38rdXcq-0yeJzr3byXIrN-vypvLR5k6XXQeK3yR-jE79aizEItUslLI1WL1GRTk/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7t14vRns8W22tx0PhVzRl56rHj8SLAsH1UMD5JUdD3AjMqgsNxZ0_Q0ln3WWHcWRymJS5U5Hy9kL3b9jTUdxykrr4zBNRKP5FWdAcoxWtsnzPKrAkjUuvl4slMk0MZlodHa_mp7hQ8c/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
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For VICTORY!</div>
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For LOVE! </div>
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For HIS GLORY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x1YCfqWsfoVhxWKVQxdLt-5UlX8W4g4VmRv8BJ4xkNTntfWccZE0NuponDz3BJROnKuiut4Tk3ofM9cDxhAuh_wL6ZNGdlsdNkYs6wLszKEkNiRTl-e0rTQtcCbKRcGC0tyKbOeWokU/s1600/IMG_3541+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x1YCfqWsfoVhxWKVQxdLt-5UlX8W4g4VmRv8BJ4xkNTntfWccZE0NuponDz3BJROnKuiut4Tk3ofM9cDxhAuh_wL6ZNGdlsdNkYs6wLszKEkNiRTl-e0rTQtcCbKRcGC0tyKbOeWokU/s400/IMG_3541+-+Version+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thy Kingdom come quickly.....!</div>
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-36407749883180655762015-11-04T20:48:00.001-08:002015-11-04T21:17:36.805-08:00Moments in Meditation - LOVE IS POWER<br />
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He sets the stars in place, the planets into motion. He makes the earth shake. He controls the winds and the waves. He creates each person individually at conception, one atom at a time.<br />
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When I pray, I pray to the Lord of the Universe. Powerful beyond all of our strength. Creative beyond all of our imagination. In and out of time and space.<br />
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With reverence and awe. With honesty and intimacy. With humility.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Our God is POWER.</h3>
He is omnipotent. He is omnipresent. He is near. He knows my thoughts
before I think them, my words before I speak them. He provides. He
protects. He loves. He knows.<br />
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And yet, when I pray, I pray to my Abba, my Father. My heavenly father who breathes life into me, who loves me unconditionally, who promises me a future and a hope.<br />
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I give thanks. I give praise. I surrender all. I bear my heart and soul.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Our God is LOVE. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxNXxAQE0tmEBprud8eF_5sxZP0pxjjHUuqYPdoPTV1b4KTNi5SEhfuECsXLHVBDDCiKvtk5L7BjgfVFtwg4BYLc1SnkBvmyJmCRz6vr9iBA8VjXibL0GMksgdq4VJtB6jjVTZ4JNVtg/s1600/WorshipNightFeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxNXxAQE0tmEBprud8eF_5sxZP0pxjjHUuqYPdoPTV1b4KTNi5SEhfuECsXLHVBDDCiKvtk5L7BjgfVFtwg4BYLc1SnkBvmyJmCRz6vr9iBA8VjXibL0GMksgdq4VJtB6jjVTZ4JNVtg/s400/WorshipNightFeature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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His love, care, concern, compassion and involvement in my life transcend any circumstance, situation, timeline or boundary that is placed upon me. He is everywhere all the time, intricately involved in the details of my life. The seen and the unseen. The temporary and the eternal. Because of His power. Because of His love.<br />
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To acknowledge this fact is to acknowledge His power, His sovereignty, His kingdom, His presence, His provision and unfailing love all at the same time! To live life knowing and believing in Him in this way empowers my walk of faith and my availability to be used by Him and for Him at all times. To feel His power. To sense His love. To hear His voice. To know His will.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ64xxdkoq3JNPrTya4h3sK00MWturmM6qBwb8XxOJ6JJYOftUqBwEq0b55PsQV-sjmK-0uzyOGo7fefJqqU6d8Rzk1KTPEi2UOymYd_FTh5gbufS4JBkP_DLcJvF4M6uBMM7VsSj92I/s1600/3042886_800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ64xxdkoq3JNPrTya4h3sK00MWturmM6qBwb8XxOJ6JJYOftUqBwEq0b55PsQV-sjmK-0uzyOGo7fefJqqU6d8Rzk1KTPEi2UOymYd_FTh5gbufS4JBkP_DLcJvF4M6uBMM7VsSj92I/s400/3042886_800x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He is always in control and He cares ALL THE TIME. To understand, believe and accept this concept is to acknowledge His amazing power, His
infinite love, His desire for relationship and that He is truly Lord of
All!<br />
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And, here, in this place, is where I find my joy and my rest.........<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." </i></b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Matthew 11:28</i></b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i> </i></b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To live all things abundantly, to live a life filled with joy, grace,
peace, wisdom and love, we must embrace our God in ALL of His FULLNESS. Not in part but in whole. ALL He is. He is ALL. In ALL. Nothing else but Him. Therein lies the abundance. </div>
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<div class="bible-item-text col-sm-9" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God....</i></b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i> 2 Corinthians 3:5</i></b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i> </i></b></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> And, only with ALL of Him, can we experience the pure power of His amazing love. Over sin. Over fear. Over death. Our power comes in the knowing, receiving and giving of His love. In truly believing His Word. We become spiritually, divinely empowered because of His love and His power in us. Herein lies the victory!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYvfB-LtbIa760nXrsT2-XmP2dzkGIYORPXYlSDh_HZhmOVzMelxaX-O71llPQFWZ1beg6Lt6tgLKt-zJ8HB56H7F1WwYS6hLfYTF-UPvCsIpmLXUjQr7R4AESxnquuZJql77MjaXc_Q/s1600/john-15-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYvfB-LtbIa760nXrsT2-XmP2dzkGIYORPXYlSDh_HZhmOVzMelxaX-O71llPQFWZ1beg6Lt6tgLKt-zJ8HB56H7F1WwYS6hLfYTF-UPvCsIpmLXUjQr7R4AESxnquuZJql77MjaXc_Q/s320/john-15-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-42288762848954285772015-10-18T20:53:00.001-07:002017-05-23T15:22:32.719-07:00HELP SOMEONE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlC2X78EyVOlHGZinR19mzklQI6Jeap5dmTMjE3-XmvE1hH8w0B7oWqk6LRT2otmxb9mbmOM_bkXjlJ0-hkyYXbDb2voSCInnc3Wob5VjvYXF9BGnrsN_7jdhnZz2ftZk7YunKVv9T-Y/s1600/return-of-jesus-matthew-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlC2X78EyVOlHGZinR19mzklQI6Jeap5dmTMjE3-XmvE1hH8w0B7oWqk6LRT2otmxb9mbmOM_bkXjlJ0-hkyYXbDb2voSCInnc3Wob5VjvYXF9BGnrsN_7jdhnZz2ftZk7YunKVv9T-Y/s320/return-of-jesus-matthew-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="first-line-none">
Matthew 25:</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Matt-25-31"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup><span class="woj">“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-32" id="en-NLT-24014"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup><span class="woj">All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-NLT-24015"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup><span class="woj">He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at his left.</span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-NLT-24016"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup><span class="woj">“Then
the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by
my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the
world.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NLT-24017"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NLT-24017"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup><span class="woj">For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup><span class="woj">I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’</span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">We
often read these words and think of His instructions as physical--food,
shelter, clothing--and indeed they are indicating provision for the
physical life sustenance of others. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">What
image pops into your mind when we talk about preaching the gospel? A
sermon in church perhaps? A Christian magazine article about the Good News? Going door to
door and talking to others about salvation through Jesus Christ our
Lord? </span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">Let's take a deeper look at the meaning of these words with spiritual eyes. Let's see them with an eternal vision rather than just temporal.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;">'For I was hungry, and you fed me.'</span> The Bread of Life [Jesus]</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;">'I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.'</span> The Living Water [Jesus]</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;">'I was a stranger and you invited me into your home.' </span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"> Open doors to the Body of Christ and His Eternal Home without judgment.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I was naked, and you gave me clothing.</span> To be clothed in His righteousness.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">'I was sick and you cared for me.'</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">Ministry to the spiritually wounded and broken </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">through prayer, encouragement and edification.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">'I was in prison and you visited me.'</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">Ministry to those in spiritual bondage </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">breaking the chains of addiction, idol worship, and generational sin.</span></span></b></div>
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"></span></span><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"></span></span><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"><b><u><span style="color: #0b5394;">Herein lies the gospel message in two forms: 1) the physical needs and 2) the spiritual needs.</span></u></b> </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">So often we hear about and/or focus upon the physical needs of others. We reach out to those who are lacking with donations such as money, food and clothing. We provide work programs for the unemployed. We serve at soup kitchens. We give our used clothing, canned goods and toys to those less fortunate. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj">Those who are physically less fortunate come to mind very quickly. I don't know about you but my mailbox (both snail mail and email) are constantly full of requests for food, clothing and monetary donations. There is a huge need for ministry of all types in this area at home and abroad.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-NLT-24019"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="woj">“Then
these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry
and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?</span></i></span></b></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> <span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-NLT-24020"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup><span class="woj">Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NLT-24021"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup><span class="woj">When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NLT-24021"><span class="woj"><sup> </sup></span></span>“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’</i></span></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeXAigKTG-HjNh6SuUY_nTlrljTrGUseBHQMmH6ulUbLcHlFT5rSP4AecEdTaPYdR0ecbW5Zgm5pk06ZzKYv8RHRD3aZvnDhOB7Jm7VX2dm2Tw4_N2G5rhEgRYJfMzpgitR8tH1zuRrA/s1600/help_someone_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeXAigKTG-HjNh6SuUY_nTlrljTrGUseBHQMmH6ulUbLcHlFT5rSP4AecEdTaPYdR0ecbW5Zgm5pk06ZzKYv8RHRD3aZvnDhOB7Jm7VX2dm2Tw4_N2G5rhEgRYJfMzpgitR8tH1zuRrA/s400/help_someone_block.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
<span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NLT-24021"><span class="woj"></span></span><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NLT-24022"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NLT-24022"><span class="woj">But, there is more....! H</span></span>ow often to we think about the spiritual needs of others? We think about eternal life and internal peace. But how often do we consider the gospel message in terms of spiritual well being and provision?<br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NLT-24018"><span class="woj"></span></span><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NLT-24022"><span class="woj"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-NLT-24023"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span><span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-NLT-24023"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-NLT-24023"><sup class="versenum">41 </sup><span class="woj">“Then
the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you
cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his
demons.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-42" id="en-NLT-24024"><sup class="versenum">42 </sup><span class="woj">For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-43" id="en-NLT-24025"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj">I
was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked,
and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you
didn’t visit me.’</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-44" id="en-NLT-24026"><sup class="versenum">44 </sup><span class="woj">“Then
they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">There are those among us who need to hear THIS gospel message.</span> </span></u>The spiritual healing and life transforming side of the gospel. Those who are churched as well as unchurched. Those who don't know of His saving grace and His unconditional love. Those who have already received Christ as their Lord yet their walk with Him has gone astray. They may live in abundance physically but they are struggling spiritually with carnality yet claim to know the truth of our Savior. They are not living the abundant life. Not walking in the His light but still in bondage to darkness.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">We have a mission field in our neighborhoods, in our churches, in our communities! Right in our own backyard. so to speak. Hurting, needy people who need to know the depth of the love of our Lord and the power of His Spirit. </span></span><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">Even those of us with a roof over our head, food in our bellies and clothes on our backs. We may not be physically deprived but we are suffering spiritually in many ways.</span></span></span><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><h3>
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">In an increasingly darkening world, we all need His Living Water and the Bread of Life to sustain us daily. </span></span></span></b></i></h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">We need to be clothed in His righteousness to discover His grace and be able to extend it to others so they, too, can be clothed in righteousness. </span></span></span></b></i></h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">We need to extend hospitality in our churches, in our homes and in our hearts as a beacon of hope and comfort, a safe haven. Without judgment.</span></span></span></b></i></h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
<i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">We need to bear one another's burdens, pray for one another without ceasing, repent, speak life to one another.</span></b></span></span></i></h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
<i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">We need to provide ministry to truly set the captives free by teaching and preaching truth with boldness. We must die to self daily to be made new again and again. Hearts will be made new. Chains of bondage will be broken. Lives will be healed.</span></b></span></span></i></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This message is the <u>whole</u> Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This gospel is how we change the world and prepare a people for the coming Day of the Lord!</span></span> </span></b></span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-45" id="en-NLT-24027"><sup class="versenum">45 </sup><span class="woj">“And He will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the
least of these My brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><sup class="versenum">46 </sup><span class="woj">“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">It is not enough to say "yes" to His gift of grace. We cannot reject His gift of transformation, of healing, and spiritual renewal. We must say 'yes' to ALL of His ways and be changed from the inside out. It is a package deal! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj">Be a witness for the WHOLE GOSPEL MESSAGE. Live holy lives. Profess His truth. Share your testimony and your grace with others. Let us ALL be ready for the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let no one be left behind but lead everyone down the road to eternal life!</span></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"> </span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></i></span></b>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NLT-24028"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></i></span></b>sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-56298555902782034342015-08-25T15:31:00.000-07:002015-08-25T15:31:02.038-07:00TEMPTEDHe was tempted.....<br />
<br />
....to eat when He was hungry thus gratifying His flesh.<br />
<br />
....to establish a kingdom of His own glorifying Himself rather than the Father.<br />
<br />
....to test the Almighty in His will and His ways challenging authority and holy providence.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-1">Then Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan. </span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-1">He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, </span></span></i></b><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>where He was being tempted by the Devil for forty days. </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">During that time He ate
nothing at all, </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">and when they were over He became hungry. </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Luke 4:1-2</span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKTWvWslsQZEnjkChjmYqgundaIO4W9zkoS9CFwQUuHILLI3ZY0cQ_pnHL0PlgP15FFkB-bpiNUHpF-rYwG2gi9o58-mKlQ0pvKFWvkcdjajnVu3tlONW67zaZ6suzZlcsfB1DutjyhY/s1600/b38f216e-0d02-4630-8874-4a4af04918b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKTWvWslsQZEnjkChjmYqgundaIO4W9zkoS9CFwQUuHILLI3ZY0cQ_pnHL0PlgP15FFkB-bpiNUHpF-rYwG2gi9o58-mKlQ0pvKFWvkcdjajnVu3tlONW67zaZ6suzZlcsfB1DutjyhY/s400/b38f216e-0d02-4630-8874-4a4af04918b4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066">The more time we spend with our Lord, the better we know Him, the more we pray, the more we seek Him, the more we follow His ways and His will, the more we fast..... The greater the intensity of the spiritual warfare we will experience. We WILL be tempted in the areas of:</span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><b><i>Flesh </i></b></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"> </span>The Devil told Him, “Since you are the Son of God, </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Luke 4:3</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span style="color: black;">Self Glorification </span></i></b></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text Luke-4-5" id="en-ISV-25069">The Devil also took Him to a high place </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text Luke-4-5" id="en-ISV-25069">and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text Luke-4-5" id="en-ISV-25069"> </span><span class="text Luke-4-6" id="en-ISV-25070">He told Jesus,
“I will give you all this authority, along with their glory, </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text Luke-4-6" id="en-ISV-25070">because it
has been given to me, and I give it to anyone I please. </span></b></i></span><span class="text Luke-4-7" id="en-ISV-25071"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-7" id="en-ISV-25071"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>So if you will worship me, </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Luke-4-7" id="en-ISV-25071"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>all this will be yours.” </b></i></span></span></div>
<span class="text Luke-4-7" id="en-ISV-25071"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Luke 4:7</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><i>His Will and His Word </i></b></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-9" id="en-ISV-25073">The Devil also took Him into Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest point of the Temple. </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-9" id="en-ISV-25073">He told Jesus,“Since you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, </span></i></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-10" id="en-ISV-25074"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-10" id="en-ISV-25074">because it is written,</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-10">‘God will put His angels in charge of you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-4-10">to watch over you carefully.</span></span><span class="text Luke-4-11" id="en-ISV-25075"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>With their hands they will hold you up,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-4-11">so that you will never hit your foot against a rock.’</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-4-11"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Luke 4:9-11 </i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066">Satan tempted the soon-to-be Messiah. The Son of Perdition tempted Jesus in His weakest moment. Appealing to His divine power, His connection with His Father and to His human flesh. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text 1John-2-16" id="en-ISV-30562"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For everything that is in the world—the desire for fleshly gratification, </span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text 1John-2-16" id="en-ISV-30562">the desire for possessions, and worldly arrogance—is not from the Father </span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text 1John-2-16" id="en-ISV-30562">but is from the world.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text 1John-2-16" id="en-ISV-30562"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 John 2:16</span></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Jesus answered with Truth. He rebuked the lies with the Word of God.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-4" id="en-ISV-25068">Jesus answered him, <span class="woj">“It is written,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-4"><span class="woj">‘One must not live on brea</span></span></span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-4"><span class="woj">d alone,</span></span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></span></i><span class="text Luke-4-4"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="woj">but on every word of God.’</span></span></i><sup><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>"</i></span></sup></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-4-4"><sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ISV-25068b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ISV-25068b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></i></sup></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Luke 4:4</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-8" id="en-ISV-25072"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But Jesus answered him, <span class="woj">“It is written,</span></span></i></b></span><div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-8"><span class="woj"> ‘You must worship the Lord</span><span class="woj"> your God and serve only him.’</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Luke-4-8"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="woj">Luke 4:8 </span></i></b></span><sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ISV-25072g" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ISV-25072g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]"> </sup></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-12" id="en-ISV-25076">Jesus answered him, </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-12" id="en-ISV-25076"><span class="woj">“It has been said, ‘You must not tempt the Lord</span><span class="woj"> your God.’"</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Luke-4-12" id="en-ISV-25076"><span class="woj">Luke 4:12 </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066">Jesus answered lies with the Truth. And, relied on the sustenance and trusted the perfect will of His Father.</span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066">So, you say you've heard this story many times. Me, too. Yet how often do you recognize these temptations in your own life? The need for power, prominence and recognition. The overwhelming pull to be perfect, to be right, to be better than others. The impulse to satisfy your deep longings, unmet needs, and hurts by reaching for food, drink, drugs and other addictive behavior. To take control of things that were never under your control to begin with. Ruin relationships over trivial issues. To take action without seeking God's will for your life or following His instructions.</span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>We need to stop ourselves in our weakest hour, in our moments of temptation, and ask ourselves whose voice it is that we are listening to at that moment. Remember, the devil is a liar! Rebuke those lies with His Truth!</b></i></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span class="text Prov-6-16">Here are six things that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> hates—</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-6-16">seven, in fact, are detestable to Him: </span></span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-6-16"> </span></span><span class="text Prov-6-17" id="en-ISV-16559">Arrogant eyes,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-6-17">a lying tongue,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-2"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-6-17">and hands shedding innocent blood;</span></span><span class="text Prov-6-18" id="en-ISV-16560"></span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span class="text Prov-6-18" id="en-ISV-16560">a heart crafting evil plans,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-6-18">feet running swiftly to wickedness,</span></span><span class="text Prov-6-19" id="en-ISV-16561"></span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span class="text Prov-6-19" id="en-ISV-16561">a false witness snorting lies,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-6-19">and someone sowing quarrels between brothers.</span></span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-6-19">Proverbs 6 :16-19 </span></span></span></b><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>If you are a follower of Christ, you will be tempted much more so than one who is not a believer. Your spiritual battle will be much more intense and often more subtle. And, unless you rebuke the author of lies, put off the flesh and walk in the Spirit, you will fall victim to temptations of the worst kind. You have the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit and Christ living in you to empower you to overcome the flesh. Tap into that power daily!</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>If you are not a believer, you are much easier prey for the Evil One. Your life will be filled with struggles, temptations and deception. You need the power of God's Spirit, a free gift from the Lord when you believe in Christ as your Deliverer and Redeemer. Through Him is the gift of eternal life and the ability to tap into His power to overcome the flesh and all forms of temptation! </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-4-2" id="en-ISV-25066"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Be clear-minded and alert. </span></b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Your opponent, the Devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">looking for someone to devour." </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 Peter 5:8</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">It is unseen, this warfare, but it is real. Not fiction. Not fantasy. Not fairy tale. Jesus was not immune even though He had a unique calling and divine purpose. For now, this world is the kingdom of the Evil One. Recognize it for what it is. We are being tested and tried. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Luke-22-31" id="en-KJV-25896"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, </b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Luke-22-31" id="en-KJV-25896"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:</b></i></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-22-32" id="en-KJV-25897"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>But I have prayed for thee, </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-22-32" id="en-KJV-25897"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-22-32" id="en-KJV-25897"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>strengthen thy brethren. </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-22-32" id="en-KJV-25897"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Luke 22:31:32</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Be convicted. Be committed. Put your spiritual armor on and be ready to do battle. Moment by moment. On your knees. In your worship. In your daily living. For His kingdom and for His glory. You are one of His and He has great things in store for you! Don't let the devil sift you like wheat! Stand strong on the mighty Word of God and in the power of His Holy Spirit! Resist the devil and he will flee....</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><sup class="versenum"> </sup>After the Devil had finished tempting Jesus in every possible way, he left Him until another time. Luke 4:13</i></b></span></div>
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-63235278255633384322015-06-13T22:09:00.002-07:002015-08-25T12:49:13.745-07:00A GLORIOUS CALLING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> We are all called to something higher.</i></span></b> We are all called to something higher, Someone higher, more important, with more power than this world has to offer. We are called to be in a constant, close, connected relationship with our Creator. And, we are called to become like Him.<br />
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Most certainly, a high calling. It explains the yearning, the longing that we all experience to reach beyond the everyday, the mundane, the routine. He created us before the foundation, the creation of the world. He put this desire deep inside our hearts. To use our gifts and talents. To discover exactly who He made us to be.<br />
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Yet we look elsewhere to satisfy that longing. And, truly, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>the only One who can satisfy is Christ,</i></b></span> the Son of the living God.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>We are made in His image. We are to abide in Him. We are to become like Him.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Dare I say, we are to become the suffering servant?!</i></b></span> In truth, it is the only way we will satisfy that longing within. We need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Really. No, really.<br />
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Not for faint of heart. Not for the self seeking or the proud in heart. Yet when we are weak then He is strong. Glory belongs to Him alone.<br />
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Strength in weakness, in suffering, in dependence. A novel concept.<br />
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Yet, our loving God would have it no other way. Lives lived in love must sacrifice, must suffer in this world. We all want to love and be loved. Sometimes love hurts. Sometimes love suffers long. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">True, sacrificial love always heals.</span></b></i><br />
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Though I do hate to be the bearer of bad news, I do love to be the light bearer of Truth. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>TRUTH: His ways are not our ways. His ways are higher than ours. Don't believe the lie that this life should be easy and without suffering. If you do, you will find constant disappointment and heartache.</i></b></span><br />
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Let's take a look at our Savior. Jesus, the Christ, was born into a meager life. He became a carpenter. <i>Nothing fancy.</i> He grew in grace and knowledge of His heavenly Father so that He could be about His Father's business. <i>Not His own.</i> He was taught in the temple in His younger years. <i>He waited.</i> He sat patient listening to scripture and being guided by the Holy Spirit. <i>He led a simple life.</i> He waited for His Father's timing in being called to walk worthy and share His calling with others as He had been instructed. He sat, watched, waited. <i>He waited for His Father's purpose for Him, in His Father's perfect timing, to be used for His Father's glory. Not in His own timing, not for His own purposes, and not for His own glory. Sacrifice.</i><br />
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Jesus walked when called by His Father to preach the word of Truth in LOVE. Though all power was to be given to Him by the Father, He walked and preached with humility and love.<br />
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When His time had come,<i> Christ stood firm</i> in the will of God trusting in the plan and purposes of His heavenly Father. He stood against the lies of the Evil One who tried to persuade Him not to fulfill His God-given destiny. <i>He drew the sword of Truth </i>in defense knowing <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>His steadfastness would glorify His Father and draw many sons to glory.</b></i></span><br />
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He sat waiting patiently resting on the promises of God. He walked following the Spirit preaching to many, enduring ridicule, and all the while look to the future His Father had promised. He stood firm in the Truth based upon the plan and promises of God.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>He sacrificed self in mind, in spirit and finally in body. He died once, for all. No fanfare, no trumpets, no press releases, no praise. Yet, He inherited the kingdom from and for the glory of His Father.</i></b></span><br />
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<i>We are called to such a calling</i>. It looks different for each one of us but end result is the same. To be made in His image, to be transformed, redeemed, a witness for Truth and bear the eternal weight of glory. To sacrifice. It is a high calling. It is a glorious calling. It is a not-of-this-world calling. <i>We must live it today.</i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Embrace it. Live it. Tough love. Only the best things in life come from
tough love: grace, mercy, forgiveness, justice, peace, life ever after.
The BEST things in life are NOT free. They require giving love,
suffering and sacrifice. They result in freedom, healing, and reward. Loving when life is not easy. The sacrifice is great but the rewards are greater still. The giving brings more blessing than the getting.</i></b></span><br />
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May we believe in and live out our eternal vision in the here-and-now and give <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>ALL glory and honor and praise to our Father in the spectacular heavens and His Son, Jesus the Christ, our Lord and our King!</i></b></span><br />
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-73935993145920604822015-04-09T11:12:00.000-07:002015-04-09T11:12:42.275-07:00FOR FREEDOM, FOR LOVE<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On this night of deliverance<br />Our freedom was bought by just One.<br />Who seemed of no significance<br />When the horrific deed was done.<br /><br />Who, in His sacrifice, died once for all<br />He redeemed the broken, the fallen, the weak.<br />While self appointed judges looked upon Him appalled,<br />Those who believed stood watching unable to speak.<br /><br />The Bread of Life, the blood outpoured.<br />As the earth shook and the thunder roared,<br />Tears flowed and tempers soared.<br />Sacrificed as the Lamb unblemished.<br />As grace grew and sin diminished,<br />He gasped His last breath and uttered “It is finished”.<br /><br />In victory, the veil was torn.<br />A new age of redemption and healing was born<br />Through the one and only Son so scorned.<br />He ushered in the law of liberty.<br />In tremendous triumph, the cold tomb lay empty.<br />Death is defeated; we are no longer held guilty.<br /><br />All for Freedom.<br />All for love.<br />Mighty as a Lion.<br />Yet gentle as a dove.<br /><br />Into the wind we sing praises to His name.<br />For Freedom, for life ever after, for amazing love.<br />In unity, in spirit we are one the same<br />Because of this beautiful gift of God from heaven above.</span></i></span></div>
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All glory and honor and praise to our Heavenly Father and our Messiah, Jesus the Christ through Whom we have the gift of life eternal!sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-7145103145643690152015-03-02T21:16:00.001-08:002015-03-03T15:16:17.269-08:00IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANEFor the past six months, I've been on a boat in the middle of the sea....with Jesus, Son of the Living God.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">He invited me there. I stepped out in faith, out of my comfort zone, into uncharted waters. Reluctantly. In submission to His will. Not my choice but His. Surrounded by uncertainty (to some degree). Waiting....</span><br />
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My sea has not been one of glass just yet. Still some waves crashing on the sides now and then. The wind was still, quiet sometimes, leaving us a drift which left me wondering a bit. Nonetheless, I remained in the boat as I know it is not time to get out of the boat just yet.<br />
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God has been faithful, during this quiet time, in providing blessings along the way to bring me peace and focus while I wait. He has given me an abundance of opportunity to spend time with Him in prayer, in fasting, in study and in fellowship.<br />
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Sailing was relatively smooth until January. Then I was hit by a very unexpected storm. It built slowly but, in a matter of days, it became a hurricane!<br />
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I came down with pneumonia. A very serious case of pneumonia. So much so that I became hospitalized. First time ever!<br />
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At first, the doctors weren't sure it was pneumonia. The antibiotics didn't appear to be effective. I was poked with way too many needles, hooked up to a symphony of noisy machines, exposed to too many gamma rays (my husband tells me I don't yet glow in the dark) and had a thermometer stuck in my mouth more times in a week than I did a fork! A good night's sleep was reduced to multiple catnaps during the course of a 24 hour period. A shower consisted of dry soap used in the important areas; the rest of me had to wait for a week for the kind of soap you use with water. Not the hotel of my choosing!<br />
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My heart missed my family. I missed my own bed, my own pillow, my shower
and my kitchen. The thought of death did cross my mind (as people do die from pneumonia)......<br />
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......but only for a moment! <span style="color: #0b5394;">All those weeks of abiding in Him were beginning to bear fruit! From the first moment in the doctor's office, into the ER, and once admitted. In an instant.</span> I did not recognize myself.......because it wasn't me, it was the power of His Spirit.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My normal questioning, anticipating-the-worst self took a hiatus! No feelings of stress or panic. I surrendered to His will at that moment and became transformed. I had peace, I was calm. My eyes were on Him. I was truly in the eye of the storm!</b></span> I heard Him speaking to me in chaos and through circumstances, saw Him in the people who came to visit me, those who helped with meals for my family, and helped out with home schooling. I sensed His love and saw His provision.<br />
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<span class="text Phil-4-17" id="en-ISV-29455"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>It is not that I am looking for a gift. </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-4-17" id="en-ISV-29455"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>No, I want to see that you receive the fruit that increases to your benefit. </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span class="text Phil-4-18" id="en-ISV-29456"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span class="text Phil-4-18" id="en-ISV-29456"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I
have been paid in full and have more than enough. </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span class="text Phil-4-18" id="en-ISV-29456">I am fully supplied,
now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant
aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. </span><span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-ISV-29457"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-ISV-29457"><u>And my God will fully supply your every need </u></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-ISV-29457"><u>according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus</u>. </span></b></i></span><span class="text Phil-4-20" id="en-ISV-29458"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-4-20" id="en-ISV-29458"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Glory belongs to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-4-20" id="en-ISV-29458"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Phillipians 4:17-20</b></i></span></span></div>
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And, I became empowered through His Spirit to minister to others. I took my focus off of my pain and struggle, focusing instead upon others in the hospital. I took personal interest in almost everyone who I came in contact with during my stay. Even when they were sticking me with needles, giving me treatments, or taking me to the X-ray lab in a wheelchair. Despite my illness, my mind and heart had the energy to touch the lives of others. By His provision. By His grace.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The joy it brought me to be used in this way by God is indescribable. The sense of purpose in Him was magnified in me. Through it all, He was glorified!</b></span> <br />
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Our gracious Lord took a stressful, unpleasant experience and truly used it for good and for His glory. I am healed physically by His hand as I did most of my recovery at home without antibiotics. I am healed spiritually by His power within me as I yielded to His sovereignty, His authority, and died a spiritual death to self in that moment. Thy will be done.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-20" id="en-ISV-19917"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Jeremiah said, “They won’t turn you over. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Obey the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> </span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-20" id="en-ISV-19917"><span style="color: #cc0000;">in what I’m telling you, and it will go well for you</span> and you will live. </span><span class="text Jer-38-21" id="en-ISV-19918"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-21" id="en-ISV-19918"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But if you refuse to surrender</span>,<sup> </sup>this is what the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has shown me: </span><span class="text Jer-38-22" id="en-ISV-19919"> </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-22" id="en-ISV-19919">Look,
all the women who are left in the house of the king of Judah </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-22" id="en-ISV-19919">will be
brought out to the officers of the king of Babylon, and will say,</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-38-22">‘These friends of yours have mislead you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-38-22">and overcome you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Jer-38-22">Your feet have sunk down into the mire,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-38-22">but they have turned away.’</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-38-22"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Jeremiah 38:20-22 </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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No struggle, no questioning, just obedience. In turn, He empowered me to touch lives, to bring light, to speak life into others. To be a light in a dark world, in a place filled with stress and suffering. Even when my own circumstances had dark possibilities. Therein lies the beauty of His provision. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>He knew the hurricane was coming and He prepared me for it during those months of quiet. He prepared me to survive it, to overcome, and to serve Him. Not just through submission. Through surrender. This time it was my choice! He showed me the way....</b></span><br />
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I'm still in the boat riding the wind and the waves with my Savior. It is still not time to step out onto the water just yet. My hospital experience was a test run. My strength comes from my God alone. And, the victory belongs to Jesus!<br />
<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-66775438620945817282014-11-28T12:39:00.001-08:002015-03-04T11:18:35.330-08:00SEA OF GLASSYou remember the story....<br />
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Jesus was taking the boat to the opposite shore to get away from the crowds. He asked his disciples to join Him.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-37" id="en-ISV-24362"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>A violent windstorm came up, and the waves began breaking into the boat, </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-37" id="en-ISV-24362">so that the boat was rapidly<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ISV-24362o" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ISV-24362o" title="See footnote o">o</a>]"></sup> becoming swamped.</span></i></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-38" id="en-ISV-24363"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But Jesus<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ISV-24363p" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ISV-24363p" title="See footnote p">p</a>]"></sup>
was in the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion. </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-38" id="en-ISV-24363">So they woke Him up
and asked Him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to die?”</span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-38" id="en-ISV-24363"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">Mark 4:37-38 </span></i></span></b></span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">The sea was calm and peaceful at the start. There was no hesitation from anyone as to whether they should make the journey. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a storm of great magnitude came upon them! They panicked, felt helpless, uncertain and incredibly fearful and out of control.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">Life does that to us more than we care to admit. Totally blindsides us, sidelines us. Events surprise us. Circumstances catch us unaware. "Why me?!" "Not again!" Rather than act, we react. We react with...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">Of course, there is a healthy type of fear, a rational fear, that helps rather than hinders. The fear that we sense when something truly dangerous to our health and well being is threatening.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">The type of fear we experience that interferes with all that we are created to be for His glory is irrational fear. Self doubt, insecurity, persecution. Fear of rejection, failure or exclusion. Fear of being alone, forgotten. The list goes on. The weight of <span style="color: #0b5394;">this type of fear drags us down</span>. It is baggage bearing great weight that drags us under. We carry it with us at all times. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">We choke on it. It suffocates. We retreat with it. It inhibits us. It steals our joy. It is a thief. And, worst of all, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Yes, fear is a liar.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">I am in a season of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">uncertainty</span></b> in my journey in this life. This past year has brought changes, heartache, challenge and, yes, fear. The past eleven years I have been plagued by it. And, honestly, as I look back, <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>fear has been lying to me my entire life</b></span>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">Recently, nothing terribly serious has happened but yet a series of unfortunate events have changed my life in ways that I didn't expect. It has brought me, in some ways, out of my comfort zone. Into uncharted waters. I've been set off course to a new destination.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><i>Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of the future. Fear of being hurt, alone, forgotten.</i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Most of all, fear of not making my life count for His glory. </i></b></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I long to be on a sea of glass with my sails unfurled headed with
eyes focused upon my certain destination. A sea of calm, a sea of
tranquility. Perfect wind in my sails. A gentle breeze on my face.
Pleasant temperatures surrounding my presence. A heart full of joy and
anticipation in what lies ahead.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I long to set sail
with no fear, no regrets, no uncertainty. In or out of my comfort zone. Gazing at the beauty of
sunrise and sunset in the clear, endless sky. Gazing at the still moon's
reflection over glassy waters beneath my skiff. Resting my head with
confidence and sleeping a deep, undisturbed sleep. Just like Jesus did. But I can't. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Fear has whispered lies and I've listened. I am fearful</b></span> of what lies ahead....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-39" id="en-ISV-24364">Then He got up, rebuked the wind, and told the sea, <span class="woj">“Calm down! Be still!”</span> </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-39" id="en-ISV-24364">Then the wind stopped blowing, and there was a great calm. </span><span class="text Mark-4-40" id="en-ISV-24365"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-40" id="en-ISV-24365">He asked them, <span class="woj">“Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith yet?”</span></span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Overcome with fear, they kept saying to one another, “Who is this man? </span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">Even the wind and the sea obey him!”</span></i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">Mark 4:39-41 </span></i></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">Or can I? <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">With Jesus</span>,</b> yes, I can do all of that. Even in the here and now. He promises His presence. Always. He promises me a future and a hope. He promises me that He will never leave me of forsake me. He promises He will be my strength and my guide. He promises me that He will go before me. He is for me and not against me. And, so much more!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><i><b>Tear your hearts, not your garments; </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><i><b>and turn back to the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> your God. </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><i><b>For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to become angry, </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><i><b>overflowing in gracious love, and grieves about this evil.</b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Joel 2:13 </b></i></span> </span></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Fear is a liar. The author of fear is the evil one, the father of lies, the devil himself.</span> </b>He wants us to fear and to run and hide. He wants us to doubt ourselves. He wants us to doubt every one of God's promises. He wants us, most of all to doubt His perfect, unconditional love for us. He wants us to question our very purpose and the reason for our existence. His desire is to render us unbelieving and ineffective for the Kingdom of God.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"> </span><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-ISV-30616">This
is how love has been perfected among us: </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-ISV-30616">we will have confidence on the
day of judgment because, </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-17" id="en-ISV-30616">during our time in this world, we are just
like him. </span><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-ISV-30617"> </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-ISV-30617">There is no fear where love exists. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-ISV-30617">Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-ISV-30617">and
the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love. </span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-ISV-30617">1 John 4:17-18</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Where is my faith</span></b>? Where is my faith in the storms of life when the wind and sea rage and I'm being tossed about like a boat in the ocean? Are my eyes fixed on the One True God? <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Is Jesus my anchor</span></b>?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">The devil would have me think that my Lord and my God has abandoned me. "I will never leave you or forsake you" says the Lord. I am NOT alone. Nothing is too big for Him to handle!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-66-10" id="en-ISV-14885">For you, God, tested us,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-66-10">to purify us like fine silver.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-66-11" id="en-ISV-14886">You have led us into a trap</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-66-11">and set burdens on our backs.</span></span><span class="text Ps-66-12" id="en-ISV-14887"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-66-12" id="en-ISV-14887"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>You caused men to ride over us.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-66-12">You brought us through fire and water,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-2"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-66-12">but you led us to abundance.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Ps-66-12"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Psalms 66:10-12 </i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-56-3" id="en-NLT-14735"></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">Read the last part of that verse. Over and over again. Abundance. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">He brings us through the fire to a life of abundance!</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I can have that sea of glass as long as my heart and mind are stayed upon Him.</span></b> </span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">Yes, here and now. I need to get on the boat, as His disciple, and stay there. Despite wind, rain and torrent. I must not abandon the ship.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;">I cannot listen to the lies that fear whispers. The Lord has promised me the peace that surpasses all understanding and the gift of His Spirit to guide. I know His purposes. I know His promises. I know His plans. I know His unfailing love. I know my destination. I know the evil one has already been defeated!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">But when I am afraid,</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">I will put my trust in you.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">I praise God for what He has promised.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366">What can mere mortals do to me? </span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalms 56:3-4</span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"></span></b></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Where there is fear, His love has been cast out, rejected. Where fear exists, there is lack of trust, belief, love<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>and faith in Him. Where His love exists, fear cannot exist simultaneously. Fear becomes fallacy and love and truth reign supreme.</span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>FEAR NOT</b></span></span></span><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<article class="row bible-item">
<div class="bible-item-text col-sm-9" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="bible-item-text col-sm-9" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ </i></b></span></div>
<div class="bible-item-text col-sm-9" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Isaiah 41:10</i></b></span><br />
<div class="bible-item-extras">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Isaiah%2041:10"></a></i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>
</i></b></span></div>
</article><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>
For I, the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> your God, will hold your right hand, </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Isaiah 41:13</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I must confess that, for me in this moment, I have to consciously make this choice. Out of obedience to Him knowing He is love. Out of obedience, fruit will come forth. Each day that passes will be born of love rather than fear. Each day, it will become a more natural, integral part of my being. The sea will become more and more a sea of glass... And, then, I will truly be ready to walk on water with Him.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Hallelujah! Give thanks to the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, since He <b>is</b> good, for His gracious <b>love</b> exists forever. </b></span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Psalms 106:1 </i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Mark-4-41" id="en-ISV-24366"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-57107575658746661242014-09-03T14:37:00.001-07:002014-09-03T14:37:12.117-07:00THE ONLY SOURCEIn our family, we're not much for watching television but do like to have a movie night once a week. Usually family friendly stuff. My youngest was at a sleepover last time so we decided to watch Source Code. (Honestly, I'd never heard of it but my husband requested it from Netflix.)<br />
<br />
Interesting movie, engaging plot line. I won't be a spoiler but will share some detail as to what I find intriguing.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The main character is being sent back in time to figure out who set off a bomb on a commuter train killing hundreds. He has to go back again and again and again searching for more clues until he figures it out. <span style="color: #e69138;">The poor guy is confused, exhausted, frustrated and alone. Eventually, our hero solves the mystery, and, in turn, gets to make things right and inherits his freedom and a new future.</span><br />
<br />
Right now, I feel very much like him. Uncertain, tired, frustrated (and a bit angry) and alone.<br />
<br />
I'm in a fog. I'm in a holding pattern. I'm often just going through the motions. Though I know I am not alone as the Lord promises me that He is always with me, He is being very quiet, very subtle in guiding me through each day. He is keeping me waiting. Waiting upon Him, trusting Him, developing my faith and trust in light of the uncertainty of the future.<br />
<br />
Days come and go. Some days are hard. Sleep is restless. The heart is heavy with hurt some days.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">I know He is doing a work. The Light is there.</span> Yet I still struggle even in the knowing. The days have turned into months. Years really. It is a slow process. I'm not getting any younger and most of it doesn't get any easier.<br />
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<br />
The <span style="color: #e69138;">journey</span> is two-fold: 1) pulling out bad roots, ingrained habits that run long and deep and 2) making me rely solely upon Him and His will for me--no strongholds, no crutches, no dependencies-- so that He can lead me to a more meaningful purpose, one to which I've truly been called.<br />
<br />
He tells me to remember that, for me, <span style="color: #e69138;">ALL is grace</span>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">For us, ALL is grace.</span><br />
<br />
We only get one shot at this life. Unlike my movie hero, I can't go back in time to change history or to make things right. I can't undo the wrongs that I've done or that have been done to me no matter how much I'd like to do it. But all is grace......<br />
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We must continually look to the only source. In His grace, it is not a race. Not a race against time to erase all the wrongs and make them right. No works to earn freedom and a new future. In Him, I am forgiven. In Him, I am redeemed. In Him, I'm given a future and a hope. In Him, we can 'pay it forward' rather than looking to the past.<br />
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He keeps no record of wrongs. He blots out our transgressions. He carries our shame.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">He transforms me, if I yield to Him, and helps to relieve my burdens, give me rest, learn His ways. He helps me to forgive those who burdened me and love them anyway. Even those I might never see again in this life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">All is grace.</span> He makes me better going forward rather than going back in time. All is grace. Every breath I breathe. <span style="color: #e69138;">Every morning when I awaken.</span> Every step I take. Every choice I make. He wants me to see, understand and embrace that grace. He supplies grace in every moment. <span style="color: #e69138;">I, too, need to give grace in every moment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">And, to give thanks.</span> To give thanks during the pruning and plucking no matter how much it hurts. For me, giving thanks in difficulty has always been the hardest part. "This is my will for you" He reminds me.<br />
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All is grace. His will is grace. His love is grace. He is grace. <span style="color: #e69138;">He is the only source that will get us through the toughest times, the deepest waters, the hardest hurts</span>. Not only get us through but bring us through in glory. I don't deserve anything but, nonetheless, He gives me everything I could ever need. Undeserved, unmerited favor in the eyes of the Creator of the Universe....<br />
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Love. Light. Freedom. Future. GRACE.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text 2Cor-3-17" id="en-ISV-28854">Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom. </span><span class="text 2Cor-3-18" id="en-ISV-28855"> </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text 2Cor-3-18" id="en-ISV-28855">As
all of us reflect the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are
becoming more like Him with ever-increasing glory by the Lord’s Spirit. </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span class="text 2Cor-3-18" id="en-ISV-28855">2 Cor 3:17-18</span> </i></b></span></div>
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ALL is grace. Our Lord is the source. He is the only One Who can make all things right and just.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>2 Cor 5:17</i></b></span></div>
<br />
Praising Him for the good, the bad and the ugly, knowing He works ALL things together for good according to His PERFECT will.....!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text 2Cor-3-7" id="en-ISV-28844">Now if the ministry of
death that was inscribed in letters of stone came with such glory that
the people of Israel could not gaze on Moses’ face (because the glory
was fading away from it),<sup> </sup></span></span></i></b><span class="text 2Cor-3-8" id="en-ISV-28845"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><sup class="versenum"></sup>will not the Spirit’s ministry have even more glory? </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text 2Cor-3-8" id="en-ISV-28845"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">2 Cor 3:7-8</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-3-8" id="en-ISV-28845"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-38522045641503256032014-08-19T14:00:00.001-07:002015-03-02T14:23:55.687-08:00CEMENTED INGlue. Sometimes messy. Always sticky. A bonding agent.<br />
<br />
Cement. Sometimes messy. Mostly firm. A bonding agent.<br />
<br />
When my sweet girl goes out with her friends on her own, I tell her "Stick together like glue." Common cliche but I know she gets my meaning and the importance of it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24</i></span> </div>
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When we make an agreement, we want it to be 'cemented in' or 'like concrete' so that it cannot be violated or broken. <br />
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You don't often hear the phrase "Stick together like cement." Once things are bound by cement, they are practically inseparable. It would take a high-powered jack hammer and a lot of time to break the cement into rubble and separate it from whatever it is binding or covering.<br />
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<br />
We like the flexibility of glue and the permanence of cement. And, each are necessary depending upon the task required. And yet....<br />
<br />
We go about our days, our busyness, trying to manage the time and resources at our disposal. We work, we serve, we play. The nuts and bolts of life. So much to do, so little time. We stress. We have anxiety. We worry. We weigh everything on our 'to do' list and wonder how we are going to get it all done. We hope to remember everything we might forget.<br />
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<br />
We remember to hope for God's intervention. We even send up a quick
prayer asking for the Lord's assistance. Maybe too little, too late. We
put bandages on what we can, the quick fix, and salvage the rest as best
we can. <br />
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We face temptation. We ignore it, fight it with the flesh, try to fix it ourselves. We have temporary victories and pat ourselves on the back. Then it returns. It happens again. Eventually we come unglued and give into it. It rules our lives.<br />
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We do it our way rather than His. We fool ourselves into thinking that we know best. I know I do.<br />
<br />
Too much glue. Not enough cement.<br />
<br />
Too much busy. Too much self.<br />
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Not enough prayer. Not enough fasting. Not enough of Him.<br />
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<br />
We use glue when cement is what is needed most. Cement. Prayer. And fasting. Prayer and fasting.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? <b>The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. </b>Matthew 9:14-15 </i></span></div>
<br />
Prayer and fasting holds all of it together. Praying and fasting accesses the only One we will ever need in a much deeper, more intimate way. It invokes intercession and the power of His Spirit. It illuminates His Holy Word imparting wisdom and discernment. Our life, our works become focused on Him rather than on ourselves. We begin to understand His will, His ways, and follow His plans rather than our own.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-ESV-28127"><b>Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. </b>For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-27" id="en-ESV-28128">And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because t<b>he Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God</b>.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-ESV-28129">And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:26-28</span></i></span> </div>
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As we, in earnest, seek Him, our will becomes in alignment with His. Our faith is increased, our trust is increased.<br />
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We acknowledge our weakness; He is magnified. We surrender to Him in weakness; He is glorified.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="text Matt-17-20" id="en-ISV-23722">He told them, <span class="woj">“Because of your lack of faith</span> <span class="woj">I tell all of you</span><span class="woj">
with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can
say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and
nothing will be impossible for you.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-17-21" id="en-ISV-23723"><span class="woj">But</span> <span class="woj">this kind does not come out except by <b>prayer and fasting</b>.” Matthew 17:20-21</span></span> </i></span></div>
<br />
In our humility, He is mighty to use us as conduits for His love and grace. It prepares our hearts to receive what He has in store for us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3</i></span></div>
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<br />
In our repentance and dependance, He breaks the ties that bind, heals the wounds that hurt, pulls out the rotten roots that run deep and does a greater work in our hearts than we would have ever known.<br />
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In our surrender, He transforms, transfigures and heals us. <br />
<br />
Prayer and fasting. It is the conduit that brings it all together--His Word, His Spirit, His Will, His Purpose, His Glory--and bonds it together it like cement. It builds a faith that is unshakable, immovable, unstoppable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor
things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to <b>separate</b> us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-29</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>UNSHAKABLE</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>IMMOVABLE</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>UNSTOPPABLE</b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I want to live like that.....!</b></span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-57902289131029220422014-08-06T16:10:00.000-07:002014-08-07T09:39:17.990-07:00SUDDENLY<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">Okay, I'll get right to the point. Our guinea pig died this afternoon. Suddenly. With very little warning.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">To add insult to injury, we've only had Pippin for two and a half weeks. Inherited from a neighbor. Such a very short time. In a blink of an eye, Pippin was part of our family and then she was gone. No more chattering, no more crunching, no more life. Suddenly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt03Wa3c11jMToc7r20q7wDVc4G630m3yJCgij4F41uhOus16xL0TM2OqxYe9oUm6mTjJlrTpr1_03baDuwnkvw33u1LQPwBY7MDQRcPFaT5yn1Ys4iVUPbDXIh-EQ7mOCBOmWdNXEpRU/s1600/IMG_2681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt03Wa3c11jMToc7r20q7wDVc4G630m3yJCgij4F41uhOus16xL0TM2OqxYe9oUm6mTjJlrTpr1_03baDuwnkvw33u1LQPwBY7MDQRcPFaT5yn1Ys4iVUPbDXIh-EQ7mOCBOmWdNXEpRU/s1600/IMG_2681.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious Pippin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">My sweet daughter is gentle-spirited, compassionate, kind-hearted and very much an animal lover. She realized something was wrong with Pippin this morning right away. So in tune. Now, my daughter is away and the guinea pig has passed. I grapple with exactly how to tell her what as transpired in her absence when she returns home.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">It is times like these that make very little sense especially to the young and innocent. (And, to apply reason when explaining sudden death to children is next to impossible.) Frankly, it doesn't always make a lot of sense to me. It is heartbreaking not to mention a shock when so unexpected. And, it is times like these when it is most difficult to give thanks. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">Yet I do. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thanks to Him who created us and every creature that roams upon the earth, in the sky and under the sea. To love, to enjoy, to understand Him more and more.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thank to Him for His marvelous creation and how it reveals His creativity, His depth, His glory, and His plan for the future for all of us.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><br /></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thanks to Him for my compassionate child whose depth of heart moves me to compassion, love, and hope in Him Who is the author of life, breathing life into us from the moment of conception and Who holds our time in His loving hands.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thanks to Him for the opportunity to share this part of life, experiencing death, with my two precious gifts of life so that I can show them His glory even in the sad times, the difficult times.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"> </span></span><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thanks to Him for His perfect work in our hearts and His transforming power as He molds us into being like Him even though sometimes it hurts. It is times like these that we know we have life and we are living for Him and because of Him. It is times like these that we truly treasure His gift of eternal life.</span></span></li>
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<b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="text 1Cor-2-9" id="en-ESV-28387">"But, as it is written,</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="text 1Cor-2-9">'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-9">nor the heart of man imagined,</span></span></span></i></b><span class="text 1Cor-2-9"><b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;"> what God has prepared for those who love Him...'" </span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-2-9"><b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">1 Corinthians 2:9</span></i></b></span></div>
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<li><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"> </span></span><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">I give thanks to Him for the precious gift He gives us in the hope of His salvation, in the Kingdom to come where life springs eternal in a way that only He can give. In the blink of an eye....</span></span></li>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52</span></i></b> </span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum">Yes, He gives and He takes away. Yet, in each moment, there is something to be thankful for. For we know, no matter how dark it may seem in the moment, His love endures forever. For that reason alone, we can give thanks in all circumstances!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span class="chapternum"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-1"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="chapternum"> "</span><i><b>As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> filled the temple.</b></i></span></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b> <span class="text 2Chr-7-2" id="en-ESV-11327"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And the priests could not enter the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, because the glory of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> filled the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>'s house.</span> </b></i></span><span class="text 2Chr-7-3" id="en-ESV-11328"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, saying, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”</span> </b></i></span></span><br />
<span class="text 2Chr-7-3" id="en-ESV-11328"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>2 Chronicles 7:1-3</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="text 2Chr-7-3" id="en-ESV-11328"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;">And, I must not forget to share that, just the other day, my lovely daughter mentioned that she'd like to have a pet rat or two. I did tell her that the guinea pig was enough for now; we'd consider rats once Pippin was no longer with us. Perhaps God's providence is upon us.....?! Either way, I ran out to the pet store and purchased two small rats who will be waiting for her when she returns home. To comfort, to heal her heart, and start again..... As His love would have it.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text 2Chr-7-3" id="en-ESV-11328"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><i><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-57045273992952241472014-08-04T20:33:00.002-07:002017-01-23T14:04:46.745-08:00CONVERSATIONSI'm an active listener by nature. Much more so than a talker. (My husband might disagree as he is always ready to lend an ear for me when I need it!) I express my love for others by my gift of time in listening, contemplating the words given, asking questions of interest and giving words of wisdom if the situation requires it.<br />
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A little more than five years ago, I was asked to join in my first experience with conversation prayer. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking to myself, "You mean you want me to talk out loud while I pray in front of all these people!?" "You want me to converse with my heavenly Father where everyone can hear me?!" A tough hurtle for someone who listens more than speaks. My throat begin to tighten, my mouth became dry, and my palms began to sweat. Uncomfortable! I enjoyed my prayer time with my Creator, one on one, but this format was definitely outside of my comfort zone.<br />
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The first few sessions, I listened. Just listened. (I am a good listener, remember?) I got the rhythm, the cadence of our group prayer time. Okay. I will try it. I said something short and sweet. During the next few meetings, I listened more than I contributed but did have a burning in my heart to share something more. There is power in the name of Jesus. Especially when two or more are gathered in His name. I felt empowered by His Spirit.<br />
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Once again, He humbled me. He reminded me that this time was not about me but about Him. He also reminded me that this conversation was to be Spirit-led rather than Me-led! So, I let go and let the Lord guide and the Spirit do the talking. I discovered:<br />
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377">The beauty of fellowship in prayer led by the Spirit.</span></span></li>
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<span class="text Acts-2-42"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Acts-2-42"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>Acts 2:42</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Acts-2-42"></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"> The blessing of humility in service through prayer as the body of Christ. </span></span></li>
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> and serve Him with one accord." </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Zephaniah 3:9</b></i></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377">The power behind prayer as we gather in His name in full accord and of one mind. For our comfort and joy!</span></span></li>
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Phil-2-1">"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,</span> </span></i></b><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Philippians 2:1</span></i></b></span></div>
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Conversations. Two way conversations. Such a blessing and such a
rarity. These days, meaningful conversation is truly a form of art, a
skill learned and much needed to develop quality relationships among
ourselves. And, with our Maker. Alone with Him or together in one accord.<br />
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Listening is instrumental to a meaningful conversation. In prayer and with each other in conversation. Listen for His still small voice, His Holy Spirit to impart wisdom and discernment, to speak His will, to utter His love. He is ALIVE and speaks to those who humble themselves and are willing to listen.<br />
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He is always ready,
available and such a good listener! I have grown to love conversational prayer and I still cherish my personal conversations with God! That face-to-face time is truly where I talk my heart and He speaks to it. The blessings and benefits of collective prayer are amazing. As we pray, our desires and our wills become aligned with His and each other. Truly, we become of one mind in Christ. <br />
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And, believe it or not, I led a Conversational Prayer group as part of a weekly women's bible study as Prayer Chairman. Imagine that! If I hadn't stepped out of the comfort zone and into the 'unknown', He wouldn't have been able to use and bless me in so many ways!<br />
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Praising Him for the gift and power of prayer and a community that prays together! Praying that you find treasure, blessing and power in prayer in His name........<br />
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-4071670148842686492014-07-31T20:59:00.001-07:002014-08-04T17:14:11.519-07:00EVER AFTERI have two clocks--one in the master bath and one in the master bedroom--that are battery powered with moving hands and numbers on the face. The 'old fashion' type. They both make a ticking sound to count the seconds.<br />
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As I sat in silence in my bedroom one morning, I noticed something disconcerting about these dueling clocks. One clock was, ever so slightly, just ahead of the other clock. I would hear a 'tick' followed immediately by another 'tick'. Again, again, again. If I focused on the noise long enough, it started making me feel a bit nervous and unsettled. Something that is suppose to be rhythmic and soothing became rather disturbing! Praise be to our Creator for creating rhythm, balance, and order out of potential chaos. (Well, at least for me anyway...).<br />
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This ticking echo reminded me of God's timing. He is transcendent in time and space moving in and out freely without being confined to one place or one moment in time. He is everywhere all the time. Time does not matter to Him. He operates freely without the confines of time. He manages multidimensional time with ease!<br />
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How amazingly liberating! But, alas, this transcendent gift is not for us. Not yet. Now, time belongs only to Him. We are ruled by time. Not only our appointments, our calendars, our waking and sleeping, our eating but in life and in death. Even in one dimensional time, we find it difficult to manage. And, it is only by His providence that we receive the gift of time; He holds our every moment in His hands.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>"Time and tide wait for no man." Geoffrey Chaucer</b></span></div>
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What a comforting picture that should be for us in the here and now. God is in control of all of it. He knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end. He is everywhere and in everything. Way too much responsibility for me! Way too much to do and to be in charge of at any given moment. Too much juggling! <br />
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Let's rest in our transcendent God. Let's rest in His divine ability to manage every detail of everything simultaneously. What a precious gift: His Word is Truth, He Himself is love. He knows every thought before we think it, every word before we speak it, every hair on our head. (Talk about detail oriented!) His purpose is pure. We can trust Him with every detail in our lives. We can rest, truly rest, in Him. Whew! Let us manage it wisely as it is a gift to be used for His glory. Our time is in GOOD hands!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Cast all your anxiety on Him because He CARES for YOU [emphasis mine]. 1 Peter 5:7</span></i></b></div>
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He saves the best for last--this gift of transcendence. For life ever after. We will be transformed, a new creation, a new beginning with a divine nature. As transcendent as He is now. We will use it for His purpose, for His glory in ways that we cannot, at this moment, begin to fathom. I want to be a part of that.....when the right time has come!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i><span class="text Heb-6-17" id="en-NIV-30062"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath.</span> <span class="text Heb-6-18" id="en-NIV-30063">God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.</span> <span class="text Heb-6-19" id="en-NIV-30064">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,</span> </i></b></span><span class="text Heb-6-20" id="en-NIV-30065"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Heb-6-20" id="en-NIV-30065"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Hebrews 6:17-20</i></b></span></span></div>
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sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-1242819176124701422014-07-25T15:07:00.001-07:002014-07-25T15:07:10.928-07:00WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT THE DOOR? PART TWO<i>(In December 2013, I wrote a post entitled "Who's That Knocking at The Door?" You may want to read that post before this one to help tie things together.)</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Snuggles</td></tr>
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Almost a year ago, my sweet snuggler of a dog developed the routine of coming to my bedroom door during my morning quiet time and asking to come in. He and I would enjoy each other's company as well as my time with God and his time being pampered.<br />
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Unfortunately, during the past few months, our morning ritual has changed a bit. He now comes to my room VERY early, scratching, whining and waiting to be let through the door. If I don't open the door right away, Snuggles will wait outside continuing to whine and scratch until I do so. Not helpful in my pursuit of prayer and quiet time with my Creator.<br />
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Why the change? Well, we have another morning routine. Snuggles gets one stick of dog jerky for his 'breakfast'. When? After my quiet time, when I go downstairs to grab my cup of coffee and something to eat. Hmmmm......<br />
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Apparently, the treat has become more important than the pampering. Now, the food is the driving force behind his desire to seek me out in the morning. Satisfying his fleshly desire is more important than spending time with me feeling loved, comfortable and cared for. Hmmmm...<br />
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I recently realized how easily I can fall in that same routine. It is a trap, really. How often do I allow my 'to do' list or the dog himself to get in the way of my quiet time? How often do I pray for my own desires instead His desires for me? How often do I ask for things that satisfy the flesh rather than fill the spirit? How many times do I ignore or deny His will and press on toward my goal rather than His? How often do I just sit and listen, look and wait for Him rather than rushing ahead on impulse? How much do I ask to be blessed without giving, yielding, serving, asking what I can do for Him or just being with Him?<br />
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Fortunately, I can think outside the limits of a dog's life! Praise Him for that saving grace! I can recognize what has become routine, what has become habit and move beyond it. I can make changes to improve my time with Him, my walk with Him, and my relationship with Him. If I anticipate the blessings of the flesh, I miss the most important blessing of all: being His presence! Missing my walk in the garden with Him. Missing opportunities to serve, to help another, to worship. I focus on self rather than Him and others.<br />
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I wonder how many times I've missed something wonderful that He has waiting
for me. Some blessing, some gift, some answer to a prayer I haven't even
prayed yet. All because my heart and mind are not stayed on Him. The
rush ahead. The anticipation of the treat. Hmmmm....<br />
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After all, it is NOT about the TREAT; it IS about the RELATIONSHIP. That beautiful relationship of love is something we take into eternity...... Nothing is more important. Nothing. And, that is where we will receive blessing beyond measure. The treat is truly worth the wait!<br />
<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-7119447840510308552014-07-24T12:14:00.001-07:002014-07-24T12:15:07.718-07:00CAVE DWELLERThe cave. Cool. Dark. Sheltered. Protected.<br />
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Are you a cave dweller? I've been known to be.<br />
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I go there when I need to unplug. I go there to decompress. I go there when I don't know where else to go. When I am fearful or discouraged. I go there to meditate. I go there in times of trouble--to self medicate, to lick my wounds, take time to heal.<br />
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Even Elijah fled from those who thought wrongly of him and sought to kill him. Even Elijah, an ordinary man yet extraordinarily used by God, was discouraged, cried out to God and hid when he felt persecuted, uncertain and afraid.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><span class="text 1Kgs-19-3" id="en-NIV-9391">"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-4" id="en-NIV-9392"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-5" id="en-NIV-9393"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep."</span> </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>1 Kings 19:3-5</i></span></div>
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Even Elijah, a true man of God, took shelter in a cave. </div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><span class="text 1Kgs-19-7" id="en-NIV-9395"><sup class="versenum">"</sup>The angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”</span><span class="text 1Kgs-19-8" id="en-NIV-9396">So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-9" id="en-NIV-9397"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>There he went into a cave and spent the night.</span>" 1 Kings 19:6-8</i></span></div>
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The beauty of it is that God is in the cave. God hears our cry. He knows our heart. God understands our need to be a cave dweller sometimes. To go somewhere cool, quiet, and safe. He knows we will run, hide and seek solace. He knows we need that time to pray, ponder and regroup. And, He is there waiting to provide.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-11"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><i>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the earthquake.</i></span><i> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-12" id="en-NIV-9400">After the earthquake came a fire, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.</span> </i></span><span class="text 1Kgs-19-13"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9-13</i></span></span></div>
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It is there in the cave that we find Him. It is there in the cave we draw close. Then He comes to refresh, restore and renew. He breathes His life back into us as we seek His face, listen for His still small voice. He reassures us of His presence, His purpose and ours in Him. Just as Elijah.<br />
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The cave serves a purpose but only for awhile. Eventually we must emerge. With Him, His mercies are new every morning; He makes ALL things new. He is a God of second chances.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="text Luke-24-2" id="en-NIV-25994">"They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,</span> <span class="text Luke-24-3" id="en-NIV-25995"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.</span> <span class="text Luke-24-4" id="en-NIV-25996"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.</span> <span class="text Luke-24-5" id="en-NIV-25997"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>In
their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but
the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?</span> <span class="text Luke-24-6" id="en-NIV-25998"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He is not here; he has risen! </span><span class="text Luke-24-7" id="en-NIV-25999"><span class="woj"></span></span></span></i><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">" Luke 24:2-7</span></i></div>
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He goes before us. We emerge from the cave with a renewed sense of His grace, His strength and His mercy. We emerge with a new sense of life, vision and purpose. The world and our walk with Him look a little different. We look a little different. Our spirit is nourished and healed. Our confidence is restored. There is understanding, surrender and peace.<br />
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The cave is there when we need it. When we need to be transformed. We will visit it as often as He guides us there. For a time. And, He is always there waiting........<br />
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-54799032547901438402014-03-26T11:07:00.002-07:002014-03-26T11:07:28.597-07:00DEEP AND HIDDEN THINGSHonestly, there are times when I feel <span style="color: #274e13;">discouraged.</span> I feel, in a sense, <span style="color: #0b5394;">deaf.</span> I long to hear God's voice but can’t. There seems to be <span style="color: #274e13;">distance </span>between myself and my Creator whether real or imagined. I wonder if He is there, if He is listening, what He is doing, and if and when He will answer. My head knows the Truth but my heart doubts.<span style="color: #274e13;"> Do you ever have those moments?</span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"><br />Yet why can't I hear Him?</span> I do know that God speaks to us in so many ways. Through circumstances, through people, through trials, through blessings. Mostly through His Word. I do pray for eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to know the mind of Christ and the will of God. Even so, sometimes He still seems distant, quiet. <span style="color: #274e13;">That is when I can become discouraged. Knowing yet not hearing. Searching yet not finding.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Of course, God is faithful. And, He is good.</span> In His loving kindness, He revealed something to me through my precious family recently that brought me <span style="color: #274e13;">joy, reassurance and encouragement</span> concerning His constant presence and desire to communicate with us in depth.<br />
<br />As He would have it, God often reveals things to me through my children. Very humbling and exciting! My 14 year old son has been studying Hebrew for almost three years now. He recently took it upon himself to do a research project on the <span style="color: #274e13;">tetragrammaton. YHVH</span> - the 'unpronounceable name' of God.<br />
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<br /><br />Here is a summary of what my son shared with me: <br />
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<i>In Hebrew, characters not only have phonetic purpose but the characters in and of themselves have a pictographic meaning as well.<br /> <br />The letter on the far right is the yod. (Hebrew reads from right to left.) The letters all make the sound of the first letter in their name. Yod is y. Hey is h. Vav is v. Hey, is still h.<br /><br />The yod and the hey together in context means; "His presence revealed." The yod in the context means "His presence" while the hey means in context; "His breath." "His presence manifested as His breath." <br /><br />The vav means to join two into one. The hey means "revealed" or "manifestation." But, it denotes joining in union, like a marital joining. A Covenant revelation.....<br /><br />.....so we have the yesterday in creation of Adam and Eve and the prophecy of the bride of Christ:</i><br /><b><span style="color: #990000;">"His presence manifests in His breath (Us; He breathed us to life from the dust) as two join into one as one manifestation or revelation." </span></b><br />
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As my son explained, <span style="color: #274e13;">I felt as if the doors of heaven were being opened to me</span> so I could catch a small glimpse of His majesty. But, there was more....<br />
<br /><i>In Paleo Hebrew, which works in pictograms, each letter had a meaning. Like hieroglyphs. Yod signifies a closed hand, a work or a deed done. The Hey, to the left of that, signifies the word "lo" or "behold!" The vav signifies a nail or peg, and signifies joining two things together. It denotes labor or a task.</i><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Lo, the work and deed is done! Behold, the nails and pegs, the labor complete!”</b></span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #274e13;">My eyes filled with tears. God's very name is a tribute to the sacrifice of His Son. Absolutely amazing!</span></span><br />Not long after my son's research project, my husband was doing research on his own accord and came across this amazing truth in God's Word. In using the pictographic translation of the Hebrew characters, in the <span style="color: #274e13;">Book of Genesis, the genealogy of Adam through Noah</span>, the names of the firstborn sons, contain a message for us!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>"Man is appointed mortal sorrow (death) but the Blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring the despairing comfort, rest." </b></span><br />
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Once again, our death sentence through sin is turned to triumph through our Savior, Jesus Christ! Such a comfort and confirmation of<span style="color: #274e13;"> His perfect plan, His omnipotence and His omnipresence contained with the Scriptures.</span><br />
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<br />So, be encouraged! His desires to communicate with us and reveal Himself to us are deep and intense. When we have the earnest desire to seek Him and know Him more, He will go to many lengths and use any method to communicate with us. He truly is the God of details.<br />
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When we feel a lull in our walk, a time when the Lord may be quiet or we don’t sense or see Him working in our lives, <span style="color: #274e13;">remember and reflect on His multiple layers, His different ways of communicating with us, His depth, and the irrevocable proof that He exists</span>. Reaffirm your faith in <span style="color: #274e13;">His unrelenting pursuit in revealing His majesty to us.</span> In an intimate way. Be encouraged knowing <span style="color: #274e13;">He always speaks.</span> Remember that we may need to change the way we listen and look in those places that seem least likely to find Him!<span style="color: #990000;"><b> Oh, how He loves us so…..</b></span><br />
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-27788132686956652442014-03-21T18:23:00.000-07:002014-03-27T14:28:45.019-07:00DAILY BREAD & LIVING WATER.... LIVE ABUNDANTLY!<h4>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Also see the post entitled In the Garden-Cultivating Our Relationship with the Lord) </span></i></span></h4>
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In the beginning. <span style="color: #e06666;">In the garden</span>.<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-1-27" id="en-NLT-27">So God created human beings in His own image. </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Gen-1-27">In the image of God He created them;</span></span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Gen-1-27">male and female He created them. </span></span></span><span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><span style="color: #38761d;">Then
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth
and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and
all the animals that scurry along the ground.” </span></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Genesis 1:27-28</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">Such a beautiful picture of a Father loving and trusting His children! </span></span></b></i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">He created them to be as He is. He blessed them. He granted enormous privilege. Most importantly, <span style="color: #e06666;">He talked and walked with them</span>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><span class="text Gen-2-8" id="en-NLT-39">Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there He placed the man He had made.</span> <span class="text Gen-2-9" id="en-NLT-40">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were
beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden He placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil. Genesis 2:8-9</span></b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><span class="text Gen-2-9" id="en-NLT-40"><span class="text Gen-3-6" id="en-NLT-62">She saw that the tree was
beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it
would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave
some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.</span> <span class="text Gen-3-7" id="en-NLT-63"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>At
that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at
their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.</span> </span></b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-8" id="en-NLT-64"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God among the trees.</span> <span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65">Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:6-9</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;">And, so it goes. From that point forward, the garden stroll, the walk with God in the most perfect of gardens was off limits. <b>The door was shut.</b> Sin had entered in where it had no place. Where it had been forbidden. No direct access to the Creator of the Universe Whose power is beyond all comprehension. <b>Access denied.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;">And then came <b>Jesus the Christ. The Door.</b> God had a backup plan! Hallelujah! Those who believe in Him will receive the gift of eternal life in circumstances far better than imagined. And, for now, those who believe can walk through that Door and, once again, walk with God in His garden. Anytime. Anywhere. Just by speaking the name of Jesus, believing, and following in His steps.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>I know thy works: behold, I have set before
thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little
strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation
3:8 </i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;">This walk in the garden.... It is precious</span>. It is a <b>privilege</b> that some know, few recognize and even fewer utilize. It is truly an undeserved honor bestowed upon us to walk in the garden with the Lord. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;">An honor and privilege bestowed upon us by the Almighty. Yet <b>we take it for granted</b>. Time flies, schedules fill, 'to do' lists multiply, activities accelerate. "No time for that walk in the garden today" we hear ourselves say. Other things are more important......?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if
any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and
will sup with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20</i></b></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><u>Without walking through that door and into His garden, we can never know Him. Yes, we can know of Him but not truly know Him. </u></span></b><u><b></b></u> Without walking with Him, we won't understand our true purpose, be given access to divine wisdom and counsel, be comforted, be healed, receive peace. We will miss out on the most important things in life because we are worried about the insignificant details of our lives rather than leaving them with the One who has an answer for everything under heaven.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;">We call it <u>quiet time</u>. The daily bread and living water we MUST have each day to make this life's journey</span>. To give, to serve, to love, to live fully. To receive His blessing. To give out His grace. To resist temptation. To live truth. To speak life into others. <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>To live abundantly</b></span>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="color: #e06666;">Quiet time</span></u>. Time to be undistracted, undisturbed. Time to focus on the One Who matters most. Time to cry out to Him with heart issues, praise and thank Him for all He does every day (the seen and the unseen), ask for forgiveness to release us from bondage, and seek guidance in the smallest of things knowing that He cares and He is into the details. You can talk to Him about absolutely ANYTHING!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="color: #e06666;">Quiet time</span></u>. It is also a time to enjoy being in His presence in stillness and solitude. To love and be loved. To write things down as He gives guidance through His Word, speaks to you in His still small voice, or answers a prayer through a devotion.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><u><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Quiet time.</span> </span>It is truly the most important part of your day.</span></b></u> Whether it is at the beginning, the end or some time in between. Whether it is in your favorite chair, on the back porch, or in the car. Take that time in that space to cultivate your garden. Bring an offering of sacrifice in time, praise, thanksgiving and fellowship. To grow in your relationship with Him. To know Him better. To become more like our sweet Savior. To develop and sharpen those gardening tools in your spiritual tool box.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;">Such a marvelous gift. What a wonderful relationship! A small sacrifice each day after all He has done and continues to do for us! Make time for Him. Be still and know Him. He is always waiting and wanting you to know Him more..... </span></span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Daily Bread + Living Water = Life More Abundantly in Him!</b></span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></b></span></span><span class="text Gen-3-9" id="en-NLT-65"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-1-28" id="en-NLT-28"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><span class="text Gen-2-9" id="en-NLT-40"> </span></b></i></span> </span></span></span></div>
sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-54044973317337333802014-03-20T11:24:00.000-07:002014-03-20T17:32:15.987-07:00IN THE GARDEN - Cultivating Our Relationship with the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-69809111364394541592014-03-03T12:29:00.001-08:002014-03-06T15:34:28.812-08:00A LAUNDRY LOVERBelieve it or not, I actually enjoy doing laundry. In a physical sense, I like the routine of it, the comfort of hearing the water sloshing and the dryer tumbling (especially in the fall when I can hear the football game in the background). In a spiritual sense, I feel more connected to my family, it fills me with a sense of security, and gives me a feeling of love in the purity in its purpose for me. I even make my own laundry soap and dryer balls just to show my family how much I care! Crazy, I know!<br />
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It is a constant in life. And, I love the smell and feel of clean clothes! There is fruit in the labor of washing and drying and demonstrating love in this way. I can see the clothing on my husband, my children, my father-in-law. Not instant gratification but almost. I take comfort in the routine, joy in the fruit, and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in all of it. Yes, all that from doing one simple task. But, every once-in-a-while, something creeps in and tries to steal some of my joy.....<br />
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The dreaded tissue! Left in someone's pocket. You just know it was used for something not so clean. Yuk! Hidden in the fabric during the wash and dry cycles only to come out tattered and torn. Of no use to anyone anymore. Scattering its little fragments all over my clean clothes! So annoying and disruptive. <br />
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I just went through this scenario yesterday. Remnants of used tissue all over one load of laundry. Oh, not again! So, I sorted, picked and plucked my way through the load to remove it.<br />
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In a way, that tissue reminded me of those little fragments of <b>tatteredness in our lives. Those hurts, wounds and the tattered parts of our heart that have never healed</b>. They often surface out of nowhere at the most inconvenient times. They <b>serve no useful purpose</b> other than to remind us of the dreaded parts of our past, convince us that we have more work to do, that we are still not doing life the right way. We are not clean, fresh, pure. We are still tattered, torn and useless. When we are with others, we sense our brokenness and just know we will never amount to anything. And, yes, sometimes those tattered places feel more comfortable than the wide open spaces so we retreat believing something that is not Truth.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>O <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> my God, I cried out to You, And You <b>healed</b> me. Psalm 30:2</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are <b>healed</b>. Isaiah 53:5 </span></i></div>
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Our relationship with Christ should be every bit as comforting and joy-filled as a fresh, clean load of laundry. WITH NO TATTERED TISSUES! He has done the plucking. The work is done. He has washed us clean with His blood and His Word. He gives us a new beginning. He gives us a fresh start, a new mind, and new heart. Every morning! Let Him transform you, keeping your eyes fixed on what lies ahead rather than what you've left behind....</div>
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In Him, we have no need of the old things. They serve no useful purpose. They just weigh us down and keep us from our usefulness for Him and others. If anything, <b>we should use them as a reminder of His grace, His mercy, and in motivation to help others. Therein lies the beauty of brokenness..... </b></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span class="text Isa-65-17">"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a <b>new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new</b>." 2 Corinthians 5:17</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Gal-6-15" id="en-NKJV-29204"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><sup class="versenum">"</sup>For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a <b>new creation</b>." Galatians</i> 6:15</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Isa-65-17"><span style="color: black;">Fortunately for us, we are not disposable like a tissue. We are healed and given new life in Him. Claim that promise everyday! Every time you see that tattered tissue in your own dirty laundry and start to doubt yourself or Him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span class="text Isa-65-17"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span class="text Isa-65-17">“For behold, I <b>create new</b> heavens and a new earth;</span><br /><span class="text Isa-65-17">And the <b>former shall not be remembered or come to mind</b>." Isaiah 65:17</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Isa-65-17"><span style="color: black;">Your past does not define who you are with Him. He sees you as complete, healed, and whole with Him abiding in your heart. The tattered parts have come together in the beauty of His forgiveness, His love and His grace. </span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Isa-65-17"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="text Isa-65-17"><span style="color: black;">You are nothing but BEAUTIFUL in His eyes!</span></span></span></span></span><i><span class="text Isa-65-17"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Isa-65-17"> He has made EVERYTHING beautiful..... Yes, even YOU!</span></span><i><span class="text Isa-65-17"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-64028391999978915882014-02-27T18:07:00.001-08:002014-03-02T17:35:35.877-08:00Water Walking<b>Lost</b>. Do you ever feel that way?<br />
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I do. In different seasons of life for different reasons. My senses warn of the danger in the uncertainty ahead.<br />
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<b>Forgotten.</b> Do you ever feel that way?<br />
I do. In smallness among the large, the powerful, the influential. In the urban sprawl. In my quiet amid the increasing noise.<br />
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<b>Lonely.</b> Do you ever feel that way?<br />
I do. In the push and pull of everyday life. A lone ranger. In the thick of it surrounded by people, where you feel like you're drowning and no one cares. An ant in the colony rushing to and fro without end.<br />
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Right now, I'm in a season of feeling lost, forgotten and lonely all at the same time. My mind counts hours adrift, reflect on days gone by where my life had more defining moments, my purpose seemed more clear. My life is starting to look different than it did just a few short years ago. One subtle change after another. Some good, some not so good. Or so it seems.<br />
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The perception is that life is bit slower. A bit emptier, too. Unfortunately, my instinct is to grab and hold on to what is left rather than lose it all. I do know I can't. Change is inevitable. My attempts at it are like grasping for the wind.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. </b></i>Ecclesiastes 2:11</span></div>
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So I try to fill the void with something else made, created, contrived. Creating a need and filling it. Pursuing a relationship with no real connection or purpose. Contriving busyness that serves no meaningful purpose. So I won't feel lost, forgotten, and lonely. So I will feel wanted, needed, useful. So the hole will be filled. By me. Do you have seasons like that?<br />
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It is times such as these that I question my future, my purpose, my reason for being. Fear and doubt creep in. They take hold and try to plant roots in my heart and my mind. You, too? But yet....<br />
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.....I know I have a purpose in Him. He promises me that. I realize He loves me unconditionally. He promises me that. It is the believing without seeing that is the most difficult. It is the <span style="color: #0b5394;">water walking </span>that creates the anxiety. The fear of depths, the fear of the unknown. Too many sharks. Too many giant squids that might take me under....<br />
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Over time, I've come to realize that <span style="color: #0b5394;">being lost, lonely or forgotten is not what I should feel at any time</span>. Yes, it is a fight with the flesh to overcome. It gets easier with time but a battle nonetheless. A spiritual battle won only by relying on Him who holds my future in the palm of His hand.<br />
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We live in a world where the general consensus is that we are suppose to 'have it all together.' We are suppose to have a multitude of friendships, be smart, lovely in appearance, driven to succeed, organized, successful in business or whatever endeavor we choose. To be alone, to not know where we are headed, what lies around the corner is perceived as a flaw, a failing. <br />
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Yet, that is not what the Lord tells us. We are ALL a mess on the inside. We all struggle. We are all lacking. Without Him, we are nothing. With Him, we are everything. An uncertain future is something we all have whether we want to realize it or not. We can make our plans but He directs our steps. With Him, our future is secure!<br />
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<b>With Him, we are cherished. We are loved. We are wanted, needed, desired.</b></div>
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<b>With Him, we are conquerors. We are MORE than conquerors. He never leaves our side.</b></div>
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<b>With Him, we can do all things. With Him, nothing is impossible. In Him, we succeed.</b></div>
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<b>With Him, we have family. We are family. Father, Son, brothers, sisters. We are included.</b></div>
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<b>With Him, we have a secure future. With Him, we have a certain hope. We are not forgotten.</b></div>
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<b>With Him, we are beautiful. From the inside out as He looks at the transformation of the heart. </b></div>
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<b>Faith. Trust</b>. Two simple words that mean so much to Him. To have faith and trust in Who He says He is and What He capable of. Do I believe it? Really? With those two things, He tells me, I can move mountains. And yes, I can also walk on water....<br />
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....because I am NEVER alone; He is always with me. Because I'm NEVER lost; I'm right where He wants me to be. Because I'm NEVER forgotten; my future is secure with Him. No, I don't have it all together but, our great God does! And, I know He can do so much better than I could ever do.<br />
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So I wait.... I wait for Him.... I take His hand, walk out on the water, and wait, watch, listen.... Knowing He is there, He is love, and He works all together for good..... Come on in! I'll hold your hand... And, so will He!<br />
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5889793182502404648.post-54213017225477453572014-02-18T10:49:00.002-08:002017-01-23T14:36:08.310-08:00Isn't It Beautiful?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhHlhTF7ofkrsSIWWuYYEolQ5o0CXrQja-ODCZ6E8aIPVWTm3ZsfQaBPTgGdlNXsnuM704caQYCSK3HRBb77S1H3rDEgCOQFUgdgTM7WaioxAIk6cYK6o5aAR6op-tWsFfJ8tWriLXC0/s1600/IMG_4418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhHlhTF7ofkrsSIWWuYYEolQ5o0CXrQja-ODCZ6E8aIPVWTm3ZsfQaBPTgGdlNXsnuM704caQYCSK3HRBb77S1H3rDEgCOQFUgdgTM7WaioxAIk6cYK6o5aAR6op-tWsFfJ8tWriLXC0/s400/IMG_4418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
He.<br />
He is..... <br />
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He.</div>
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</div>
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....is in the shape and composition of the clouds.</div>
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....is the glory in the sunrise and peace of the sunset.</div>
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....is the sound of the wind rushing and the earth's rumbling. </div>
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</div>
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....is the song of the bird and chorus of the morning throng.</div>
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....is the pattern of mountain's crest and the rhythm of the waves as they come ashore.</div>
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....is the light of the stars and the depth of the oceans deep.</div>
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He.</div>
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</div>
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He is.... </div>
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Art.</div>
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He is <span style="color: #990000;">Art.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ubDVjL9hiJhCwfWZIjwE3KG9V5ol_OF-hY94-kVzmCEmXOvhVXxncZTNOsy0r8pWCWzJ7TMv4EWlneGna9Nj-kBcD0xj3aY2kN1_N_dSahNzX-z9RM2oEv7qIOfT1irPV_pNWy_4WFA/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ubDVjL9hiJhCwfWZIjwE3KG9V5ol_OF-hY94-kVzmCEmXOvhVXxncZTNOsy0r8pWCWzJ7TMv4EWlneGna9Nj-kBcD0xj3aY2kN1_N_dSahNzX-z9RM2oEv7qIOfT1irPV_pNWy_4WFA/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the yesterday, today and forever.<br />
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In the now. <br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">He is poetry in motion.</span> He is creativity unleashed. He is beauty that knows no bounds. His
expressions are endless. His definitions are limitless. His works are as numerous as grains of the sand
at the beach or the snowflakes in winter.<br />
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Art.<br />
<br />
He is....<br />
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Art.<br />
<br />
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He is Art.<br />
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He molds. He shapes. He forms. He transforms. And, His greatest work of Art is YOU. The uniqueness. The details. Down to the fingerprints and the hairs. And, <span style="color: #990000;">most importantly, your heart. You are ALWAYS a work in progress to Him Who loves you so.</span><br />
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He.<br />
<br />
.....is Art.<br />
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And, He is working on you everyday. He is working on His masterpiece. You are the clay. He is the potter. He is molding and shaping...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73R-qN-LixojTTiBSsJXzQ3_GFE_UsvpDjuNXdke8syQkxVkJewD0B0891mdOtGGLd_vadzvpTfa6w-tBri50KNavB1Ld2VIrFBAAeICNZnyzrNkTLO_eZ1z1QlneV_P0ZlxUi3XvjBE/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73R-qN-LixojTTiBSsJXzQ3_GFE_UsvpDjuNXdke8syQkxVkJewD0B0891mdOtGGLd_vadzvpTfa6w-tBri50KNavB1Ld2VIrFBAAeICNZnyzrNkTLO_eZ1z1QlneV_P0ZlxUi3XvjBE/s1600/IMG_2036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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....<span style="color: #990000;">your Heart.</span><br />
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He.</div>
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Art.</div>
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HE IS.</div>
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ART.</div>
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HE IS ART.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">And, YOU are His masterpiece. From the inside out. You are HE ART.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc1Snd0RnA9QeK68DCgYfCC95OvicukyoxKFIoBK6KAjhdgG4B2dgFg6Ua63QmWwVGgCbpImoPMmae0uf_w3WoqFI7UvR468W3389mhMsC0KtZmLyEI-iJW2nO2a1WKbxP7bCU6saA5Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-18+at+10.39.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc1Snd0RnA9QeK68DCgYfCC95OvicukyoxKFIoBK6KAjhdgG4B2dgFg6Ua63QmWwVGgCbpImoPMmae0uf_w3WoqFI7UvR468W3389mhMsC0KtZmLyEI-iJW2nO2a1WKbxP7bCU6saA5Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-18+at+10.39.18+AM.png" width="491" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">HEART. </span></h3>
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Take HEART. In the struggle. In the pain. This process is normal. It is as it should be. He is making you His fully and completely. Don't struggle. Don't fight it. Rejoice and be glad! Take joy in His Art.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">You are His. You are beautiful. You are He Art. You are beautiful in His holiness. You are His HEART. He loves you so!</span><br />
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<br />sobeofgoodcheerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15538924109608582040noreply@blogger.com0